Object
Local Plan 2015-2030 Preferred Options for Consultation
Representation ID: 681
Received: 26/09/2013
Respondent: Mr. Stuart Giles
- West Horndon is a small village with only 800 households, to build an additional 1,500 dwellings would completely dwarf the village and destroy the very strong supportive community that exists
- No 'Flood Risk Assessment' has been undertaken, as required if a flood plain is to be built on, this is essential as there has been flooding here as recently as December 2012.
- The major, A127, A128, A13 & A12 operate at full capacity particularly during the rush hour and only a minor incident causes gridlock not only on these roads but in surrounding minor roads and lanes.
London Development Plan 2015 - 2030
Proposed development at West Horndon
I wish to lodge my objection to the proposals for the development of this area, particularly the large increase of housing proposed. It should be remembered that West Horndon is a small village with only 800 households, to build an additional 1,500 dwellings would completely dwarf the village and destroy the very strong supportive community that exists. Since the housing issue is formed on the prediction of population increases it follows that preservation of farm land is just as important and attempts to build on it should be resisted.
No 'Flood Risk Assessment' has been undertaken, as required if a flood plain is to be built on, this is essential bearing in mind that there has been flooding here as recently as December 2012. In fact it is Government policy not to allow building on the Flood Plains or for that matter Metropolitan Green Belt. Any thoughts on a 'Flood Alleviation Scheme' would have to be a major undertaking, as water can only be shipped to lower lying areas south of the railway line and onto Bulphan and the surrounding land. Additionally building on Green Belt/ Farm land would reduce the water absorption over a vast area, the resulting water would not only cause problems in the immediate vicinity but would also add to the water shipped to the afore mentioned low laying areas.
With regards to transport links the major, A127, A128, A13 & A12 operate at full capacity particularly during the rush hour and only a minor incident causes gridlock not only on these roads but in the surrounding minor roads and lanes. Emphasis has been made on West Horndon having a station, but there are no plans by C2C to increase capacity; probably because Fenchurch Street station has only four receiving platforms which are at full turn around capacity during the rush hour. Therefore major expansion work to this line will be required to alleviate gross overcrowding if the proposed expansion to this and other areas along the route is agreed.
In view of the difficulties outlined above I consider these proposals unviable and therefore urge you to reconsider this scheme.