see attached

see attached

I am writing to you with regard to your strategic growth options consultation.
As you can see I live in Harold Park which borders Brentwood and I do all my shopping etc in the Brentwood area and spend a good deal of time there. I very much enjoy travelling to Brentwood usually on public transport, and seeing the countryside and areas of green belt which surrounds both Harold Park and Brentwood. This is one of Brentwood's greatest assets, it is what draws people to live here and makes it a pleasant place to live. As such I was extremely upset to think that you would consider building on the green belt. Even this week the Standard newspaper quoted Thurrock and Epping Forest as the two top places that people wish to live in and gave the reason as "because it is surrounded by green belt land" (See Evening Standard Tuesday 3 February 2015, page 13). I believe this emphasises how important green belt land is and why it should not be built upon.

I list my reasons and comments below:
* Your document does not seem to have been approached on a sensible and even basis. Especially concerning the bias running through the document leading towards development to the south of the Borough. For example, the obvious and severe traffic existing problems on the A127 are not stated in the discussion, with development being seen as a possible solution to an inferred need, (3.12) whereas such growth in the A12 corridor 'could have similar negative impacts on infrastructure and services' (3.13) and in the even more so in (2.10) where development in the Brentwood urban area and north of the Borough creates problems whereas in the A127 corridor and West Horndon development "creates opportunities" according to your document.

* For the reason states above the consultation is not objective in terms of presentation and environmental and financial cost.

Q1: Do you agree with the three broad areas, for the purpose of considering approaches to growth?

No for the following reasons:

It is arguable whether the Borough needs subdividing at all for growth purposes.
In the absence of evidence relating to transport it is far from certain that this is the key matter to base decisions upon.

Even in the most rural parts of the Borough transport is not particularly poor compared with many parts of Essex let alone the country.

The subdivision is based ostensibly on transport but the north / middle / south land subdivisions is just too coarse a reflection of transport availability, this being predominantly linear in nature.

Even accepting transport led subdivisions in principle, this quickly needs to be refined by considering the questions of available capacity and financial and environmental cost to upgrade to accommodate growth. Without these considerations the basis of the study is unsupported.

Q2: Do you agree with the issues raised for each of these three areas?

Partially although the brief analysis 2.14 - 2.19 should be consistent. 2.19 is particularly biased whereby it makes an unsupported link between the character and availability of land for growth being potentially greater (surely this is the ultimate conclusion of considering all aspects of land use) and that the A127 has more scope for improvements than the A12 (and I would add, the A128, B roads and local road network).

To reiterate the point under Q1 if transport really is the key issue then a link is required between problems and solutions before judgements can be suggested.
Issues for the three areas should also concentrate on environmental impacts of the various options.

Q3: Do you have any comments on the appropriateness of particular sites?
I believe it is totally inappropriate to use Green Belt land for such purposes. I agree with the aim to maximise the use of brownfield areas both within urban and rural localities.

Even taking this into account should additional sites be required these should generally be of an infill nature or otherwise to create compact communities. This should apply to both urban and rural areas in order to create built up areas that minimise impact on landscape and facilitate the creation of a focus. The extent to which this principle should be applied would be based on minimising impact vs growth.

In terms of the sites illustrated:

3.12 - The completely new town 'Dunton Garden Suburb' would in my view have disproportionate impacts on the Green Belt in addition to creating a new urban centre which I feel would be detrimental to Brentwood Town centre and the road network. In addition the growth suggested for West Horndon is clearly disproportionate to the suggested aims above. Some smaller growth to West Horndon though could be accommodated whilst keeping the existing community compact and focused.

3.13 - In general both these option should be pursued within the aims I mention above. I would oppose the large scale areas shown south east of Hutton as per my comments on the 'Dunton Garden Suburb'. Further linear expansion at Brook Street termed 'Development options at M25' are also highly detrimental to the Green Belt by eroding this already narrow strip between Brentwood and the edge of the Green Belt in Havering, and that at Coombe Woods, Bereden Lane would be a planning travesty. Some smaller growth opportunities to Pilgrims Hatch, Shenfield and Honeypot Lane would perhaps have the least affect on the Green Belt and be close enough to existing built up areas to keep the built up area as compact as possible and focus activity towards existing urban centres. Small extensions to Mountnessing and Ingatestone that are within the confines of the existing road / rail corridor could also be considered.

The idea of an additional junction with the A12 to intercept the A128 is so obvious that I'm surprised that this wasn't incorporated back in the 1960s. It is this sort of link to the interrelationship between growth and transport that I was referring above although in this case it would have a significant added benefit to the community rather than just accommodating additional pressure created by growth.

3.14 - Isolated sites should not in general be considered for housing development such as Clapgate Estate and Thoby Priory. Some smaller growth to each of the main communities shown on the plan (except Navestock) could be accommodated whilst keeping the existing community compact and focused.

Q4: Given the greater capacity for growth along the A127 Corridor, which of the sites put forward do you think is the best location for growth?

This is a strange leading statement as the assumption regarding greater capacity for growth along the A127 Corridor remains undemonstrated. On the face of it the same phrase could be used to open a question about any other part of the Borough. For example, if necessary local road improvements could be considered for the area of the 'five villages' in the northern subdivision.

As discussed above in relation to the A127 Corridor limited growth at West Horndon is the only reasonable option for this sub area.

Q5: Should the A12 Corridor accommodate growth by releasing sites in the edge of urban area?

I assume that this is referring to Green Belt land and therefore my answer is no.

Q6: In order to provide for local need is it preferable for greenfield sites on the edge of villages to be released, or to develop brownfield sites (both within Green Belt)?

It is in general much more preferable for brownfield sites to be developed over greenfield sites however the impacts and implications of this do need to be taken into consideration. In some cases brownfield sites are best left in employment use and / or are not in a town or village context and in such cases creation of new housing in the countryside should be avoided.

Q7: To enable future employment need to be met do you agree that the most sustainable approach is to allocate new sites close to the strategic highway Network?

I think the link between employment use and the strategic highway network is likely to be sweeping and in cases the opposite is true.

I also believe that we should be looking at sustainable transport such as the railways and not adding to road traffic and pollution.

I would say that future employment need should be met by considering the full range of planning matters including impacts on the landscape and the green environment.

Q8: In order to ensure that the Town Centre remains economically sustainable, do you agree that a "Town Centre First" approach should be taken to retail development?

Definitely. Retail lends itself well to densification of existing land use and I do not feel that release of any green belt land should be necessary to accommodate such growth.

Q9: Are there opportunities for more open space provision in the area where you live?

Not so much provision of open space as the need for better recreational linkages between open spaces.

It would be helpful if the Council were more proactive in terms of the environment and, for example, provided public transport to the parks such as South Weald and Thorndon, or at least provide free parking for the first 2 hours. It is important to replace trees on the edge of roads etc to keep Brentwood feeling rural and not urban. To this end it is important to avoid advertising creep on business premises. I think it is important to not have neon signs for e.g. the Holiday Inn and other businesses. It is important not to allow planning creep, a poor example of this and one which the Council could have prevented is the large Sainsbury store which when it was first built was built away from the main road in quite a laid back position with trees and landscaping. Not long after it was allowed to build the monstrous car park which as well as being an eye sore has meant those arriving on foot have to walk much further to get to the entrance.
The A127 represents a severe block to north - south recreational routes. Effectively there is no sympathetic crossing for the 6.5km from Great Warley Road to Dunton outside of the Borough. This is very regrettable matter as it limits the value of Thorndon Park to residents of West Horndon and any recreational users coming from the south to the Park.

Q10: Please rate the level to which you value the landscape near where you live. (see page 29)

In Harold Park and living very near to the borders of Brentwood the following areas are very important to me.

Being able to see the countryside and not feeling like I live in a town, being able to see wildlife, the need for woods and trees to provide oxygen, to counteract pollution and to act as a sound barrier to prevent noise from the road and the railway. I would therefore rank the following as of equal importance.

Scenic Beauty / Outdoor Recreation / Wildlife interest / Historical interest / Tranquillity

Other - a key aspect omitted is views. As mentioned in my first paragraph it is very important to me to be able to see green fields, deer roaming, etc and I think that Brentwood Council should be doing more to prevent the urbanisation of the area. For example limit the advertising signage and changes which are more in link with an urban area than a semi rural one.

Q11: To what extent do you think the following is present in the landscape near where you live?

Houses - all the houses are in tree lined roads and surrounded by gardens and the estates are green with fields all around.

Commercial buildings - there are very few apart from a small number of local retail.

Nature Reserves - I can get to Thames Chase / South Weald / Thorndon Park in a matter of minutes.

Farmland - several farms although Oak Farm has never been seen as a proper farm.

Woodland - Many woods which act as a sound barrier, provide oxygen and look pleasant

Wasteland - none

Infrastructure - A12, A127, M25 nearby but not so near as to disturb the peace, railway nearby Leisure Facilities - sufficient, especially as I enjoy walking and cycling and there is a cycle path and several areas to walk in without needing a car.

Q12: Have we considered the main infrastructure issues? Are there other important issues to consider?

I do not believe that green belt should be built on at all. Instead the borough should be not allowing the building of large accommodation, for example most recent estates are for 3 or 4 bedroom detached houses where there is clearly a need for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom houses to meet the need especially factoring in the change in families, more single people etc.

Q13: What do you think the priorities for infrastructure spending should be?

This requires a study in itself and I note that this is being looked into (6.3). As stated throughout this response though I feel that Strategic Growth options need to come out of the conclusions from the infrastructure study (and studies into other such high level matters) rather than being in a response to a more arbitrarily suggested steer.

As discussed above I believe there are many opportunities for the council to be more pro-active in terms of infrastructure and caring about the environment and restoring and maintaining a sense of community. For example, including sustainable transport in any plans concerning infrastructure, for example, sensible and safe cycle lanes which don't encroach on the pavement. Free parking and transport to local parks. Maintenance of footpaths and public bridleways to encourage people to make use of the fields around. Support for local shops and local post offices. Encouragement for people to shop locally, for shops to sell local produce. Subsidies for milkmen, paper deliveries etc so that the elderly and vulnerable are included in any plans. Creating a community whereby the elderly and vulnerable are not isolated, for example encouraging businesses, banks and libraries to use people and not replace people with systems, e.g. banks in Brentwood high street, Brentwood library etc. This also has the added benefit of creating employment.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding the above in due course.

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See attached consultation questionnaire.

From Letter dated 2/2/15:
I am both appalled and saddened by the proposed development of the above and strongly oppose these plans.

My association with Hopefield Sanctuary goes back to its beginning as its Founders, the late Paula and Ernie Clark were very dear friends.

I have witnessed the continuing struggle faced by this couple as they fought to keep the sanctuary going, but owing to their physical and mental dedication they left this wonderful legacy not only for the people of Brentwood, but also for many others from near and far to enjoy.

As I am sure you are aware, Hopefield has progressed from its modest beginnings. It is now a remarkable place for both young and old to visit and enjoy whether for recreational or educational purposes.

David Schlaich and Lianne Angliss as managers have worked tirelessly in order to bring about the amazing improvements from which both visitors and the considerably increased numbers of animals, birds and reptiles benefit. I would describe this couple as an inspiration to young people everywhere.

There are many other sites which would be suitable options and I urge you to seriously consider these.

From letter dated 13/2/15

I would refer to the attached letters relating to the above.

I cannot emphasise enough that any building on these green spaces would have any adverse effect on all local residents, many of which, including myself are retired.

The area is regularly used and enjoyed by walkers both with and without dogs. It is vital that the local community does not lose such a valuable asset.

Site Ref: 011a
SHLAA Ref: B025

In October 2013 I was one of many who objected to the proposed building of houses on the above site.

I am now once again stating that this idea should never be considered.
Hullets Farm is Grade II Listed with its curtilage buildings which butt up to the rear gardens of bungalows nos 10-20 Orchard Lane. These curtilage buildings cannot be demolished in order to gain access to the paddock which is Green Belt not Brown Belt.

This area should remain Green Belt.

Site 011B
SHLAA Ref: 6038

I strongly object to any planned development reference the above.

This land is scrubland and nearly always flooded.

It has an abundance of wildlife including some protected species, e.g. Great Crested Newts.

This area should remain Green Belt.

Site Ref: 011C
SHLAA Ref: GO38

This area is definitely Green Belt and must remain so.

Proposed development was unsuccessful in 2009/10 and certainly should not be considered now.

This land supports a variety of wildlife including Badger sets.

Site ref: 0176

This land has a natural spring in it therefore it is almost always flooded.
Access is a huge problem and is adjacent to Gents Farm which is Grade II Listed with its curtilage buildings.

This area should remain Green Belt.

See attached.

I write in respect of your Strategic Growth Options Consultation

A general comment is that the document needs to be much more evidence based an even handed. There is a bias running through the document resulting in a leading towards development the south of the Borough. I cannot cite all of these, but as examples:

The obvious and severe traffic existing problems on the A127 are not states in the discussion, with development being seen as a possible solution to an inferred need, (3.12) whereas such growth in the A12 corridor 'could have similar negative impacts on infrastructure and services' (3.13) and in the even more so in (2.10) where development in the Brentwood urban area and north of the Borough creates problems whereas in the A127 corridor and West Horndon development creates opportunities.

To prevent such a bias developing the whole consultation needs to be supported by an objective presentation of localities under 'stress' and the costs (both financial and environmental) to deal with these.

Q1: Do you agree with the three broad areas, for the purpose of considering approaches to growth?

No for the following reasons:

It is arguable whether the Borough needs subdividing at all for growth purposes and the approach to growth needs to be based primarily around Green Belt considerations. I believe that to accommodate growth all steps possible should be taken to limit the release of Green Belt and that this course of action should only be followed in extenuating circumstances where there is no other realistic possibility.

Other models for growth should be considered and I believe that to accommodate growth all steps should be taken to minimize the release of Green Belt. Means of doing this include:

* Maximising the use of derelict or underused urban space;
* Increasing densities within already built up areas;
* Developing brownfield areas both within urban and rural localities

Should any release of Greenfield land be absolutely essential these should be considered through
* Release of infill sites
* Release of many smaller sites on the edge of urban areas
* Application of suitably high densities to any greenfield land released.

Further comments on the broad divisions are:

In the absence of evidence relating to transport I think it unlikely that this is the only or most important matter on which to base decisions. Even in the most rural parts of the Borough transport is not particularly poor compared with many parts of Essex let alone the country. The subdivision is based ostensibly on transport but the north / middle / south land subdivisions is just too coarse a reflection of transport availability, this being predominantly linear in nature.

Even accepting transport led subdivisions in principle, this quickly needs to be refined by considering the questions of available capacity and financial and environmental cost to upgrade to accommodate growth. Without these considerations the basis of the study is unsupported.

Q2: Do you agree with the issues raised for each of these three areas?

Partially although the brief analysis 2.14 - 2.19 should be consistent. 2.19 is particularly biased whereby it makes an unsupported link between the character and availability of land for growth being potentially greater (surely this is the ultimate conclusion of considering all aspects of land use) and that the A127 has more scope for improvements than the A12 (and I would add, the A128, B roads and local road network).

To reiterate the point under Q1 if transport really is the key issue then a link is required between problems and solutions before judgements can be suggested.
Issues for the three areas should also concentrate on environmental impacts of the various options.

Q3: Do you have any comments on the appropriateness of particular sites?

I believe that principles regarding the release of Green Belt should be foremost and in principle all steps should be taken to minimize such release. I agree with the aim to maximize the use of brownfield areas both within urban and rural localities. I also feel that release of Green Belt could be further minimized by appropriately increasing the density of existing settlements.

Even taking this into account should additional sites be required these should generally be of an infill nature or otherwise to create compact communities. This should apply to both urban and rural areas in order to create built up areas that minimise impact on landscape and facilitate the creation of a focus. The extent to which this principle should be applied would be based on minimising impact vs growth.

In terms of the sites illustrated:

3.12 - The completely new town 'Dunton Garden Suburb' would in my view have disproportionate impacts on the Green Belt in addition to creating a new urban centre which I feel would be detrimental to Brentwood Town centre and the road network. In addition the growth suggested for West Horndon is clearly disproportionate to the suggested aims above. Some smaller growth to West Horndon though could be accommodated whilst keeping the existing community compact and focused.

3.13 - In general both these option should be pursued within the aims I mention above. I would oppose the large scale areas shown south east of Hutton as per my comments on the 'Dunton Garden Suburb'. Further linear expansion at Brook Street termed 'Development options at M25' are also highly detrimental to the Green Belt by eroding this already narrow strip between Brentwood and the edge of the Green Belt in Havering, and that at Coombe Woods, Bereden Lane would be a planning travesty. Some smaller growth opportunities to Pilgrims Hatch, Shenfield and Honeypot Lane would perhaps have the least affect on the Green Belt and be close enough to existing built up areas to keep the built up area as compact as possible and focus activity towards existing urban centres. Small extensions to Mountnessing and Ingatestone that are within the confines of the existing road / rail corridor could also be considered.

The idea of an additional junction with the A12 to intercept the A128 is so obvious that I'm surprised that this wasn't incorporated back in the 1960s. It is this sort of link to the interrelationship between growth and transport that I was referring above although in this case it would have a significant added benefit to the community rather than just accommodating additional pressure created by growth.

3.14 - Isolated sites should not in general be considered for housing development such as Clapgate Estate and Thoby Priory. Some smaller growth to each of the main communities shown on the plan (except Navestock) could be accommodated whilst keeping the existing community compact and focused.

Q4: Given the greater capacity for growth along the A127 Corridor, which of the sites put forward do you think is the best location for growth?

This is a strange leading statement as the assumption regarding greater capacity for growth along the A127 Corridor remains undemonstrated. On the face of it the same phrase could be used to open a question about any other part of the Borough. For example, if necessary local road improvements could be considered for the area of the 'five villages' in the northern subdivision.
As discussed above in relation to the A127 Corridor limited growth at West Horndon is the only reasonable option for this sub area.

Q5: Should the A12 Corridor accommodate growth by releasing sites in the edge of urban area?

The same general comment applies in that if so this needs to be based on environmental impacts in addition to a more thorough examination of local constraints and the costs / benefits of satisfactorily resolving these. On the face of it though the five main urban area in this subdivision are likely to offer the most from release of Greenfield land because there is

* A greater perimeter to the built up area and urban and semi urban landscape
* A number of existing town facilities
* A closer proximity of brownfield land and areas requiring regeneration in these areas
* A greater choice that investment from growth will go into Brentwood Borough
* In addition transport links this broad area are good

Q6: In order to provide for local need is it preferable for greenfield sites on the edge of villages to be released, or to develop brownfield sites (both within Green Belt)?

It is in general much more preferable for brownfield sites to be developed over greenfield sites however the impacts and implications of this do need to be taken into consideration. In some cases brownfield sites are best left in employment use and / or are not in a town or village context and in such cases creation of new housing in the countryside should be avoided.

Q7: To enable future employment need to be met do you agree that the most sustainable approach is to allocate new sites close to the strategic highway Network?

I think the link between employment use and the strategic highway network is likely to be sweeping and in cases the opposite is true. Certain employment uses can be advantageous in creating a positive mixture of land uses and communities. However as stated in the text some employment uses create a number of adverse impacts on communities. I do not think good strategic highway network per se is so important for many employment uses nor for modern business needs' however it may be that such a pattern develops by consequence of considering other aspects of planning. I would say that future employment need should be met by considering the full range of planning matters including impacts on the landscape and the green environment.

Q8: In order to ensure that the Town Centre remains economically sustainable, do you agree that a "Town Centre First" approach should be taken to retail development?

Definitely. Retail lends itself well to densification of existing land use and I do not feel that release of any green belt land should be necessary to accommodate such growth.

Q9: Are there opportunities for more open space provision in the area where you live?

Not so much provision of open space as the need for better recreational linkages between open spaces.

It would be helpful if the Council were more proactive in terms of the environment and, for example, provided public transport to the parks such as South Weald and Thorndon, or at least provide free parking for the first 2 hours. It is important to replace trees on the edge of roads etc to keep Brentwood feeling rural and not urban. To this end it is important to avoid advertising creep on business premises. I think it is important to not have neon signs for e.g. the Holiday Inn and other businesses.

The A127 represents a severe block to north - south recreational routes. Effectively there is no sympathetic crossing for the 6.5km from Great Warley Road to Dunton outside of the Borough. This is very regrettable matter as it limits the value of Thorndon Park to residents of West Horndon and any recreational users coming from the south to the Park.

Q10: Please rate the level to which you value the landscape near where you live. (see page 29)

Q11: To what extent do you think the following is present in the landscape near where you live?

I think it misleading to ask for a comparison between other areas in Brentwood Borough in Q10. The real aim should be to discover what impacts release of any Greenfield land would have. Intrinsic value of the landscape being considered for development is one of these, but the impacts would be a combination of both the nature of the proposed developments (including indirect effects) and aspects related to wider values relating to those areas impacted. The first part needs at least some definition. The second part needs to be judged not just on the parameters listed but also on other factors such as:

Views - this being more about the vistas that can be gained of and from the area under consideration.
Value in providing 'green lungs' to surrounding developed areas
Value in providing green continuity for the purposes of nature conservation recreation
Ability to be viewed and used

To take an example, an urban park may score v low on most of the aspects of question 10 but would suggest that the impacts of developing this space could be huge. My views on impact on landscape are largely answered under question 3.

Q12: Have we considered the main infrastructure issues? Are there other important issues to consider?

I'm not sure that green infrastructure covers the point I wish to make as green infrastructure sounds like a local provision to create a desirable community. The main issues for me surrounds the pattern of any release of Green Belt land to accommodate growth. I firmly believe that even if growth on one or two large scale land releases could be accommodated this model would seriously make Brentwood a poorer Borough compared with a more dispersed growth model. This is because the 'pain' of smaller Green Belt losses can be more easily absorbed and the gain more directly and perhaps fairly directed to the relevant community. With a few large scale developments the 'pain' of growth simply has to be swallowed - no one can ignore the detriment to the Green Belt that would be created by developments the size of that at West Horndon and the Dunton Garden Suburb but the gain is likely to be only too readily swallowed up in dealing with the obvious capacity issues that would be created by such a concentration of living and associated activity.

To restate, a more dispersed growth model can be used to efficiently use existing infrastructure capacity possibly with little intervention whereas large developments will inevitably require greater use of investment into the Borough in solving problems created by the development.

Q13: What do you think the priorities for infrastructure spending should be?

This requires a study in itself and I note that this is being looked into (6.3). As stated throughout this response though I feel that Strategic Growth options need to come out of the conclusions from the infrastructure study (and studies into other such high level matters) rather than being in a response to a more arbitrarily suggested steer.

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See attached document

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See Attached.

Please find a paper Response submitted on behalf of Mr Derek Armiger comprising the following documents all forming part of the response:

1. The completed response form.
2. The attachments being further responses on pages 1-3 on the questions posed, a further 3 pages supporting development on the Sow N Grow Nursery site in Pilgrims Hatch with objections and comments on other sites in Pilgrims Hatch, and a feasibility plan (not to scale) for 42 dwellings for the Sow N Grow Nursery site.

CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE

Q1: Yes - Agreed in principle - However the development plan also requires clear over-arching Borough wide policies to allocate sustainable development with priority given to re-using previously developed land.

Q2: Yes - Broadly yes - However each area requires reference to availably of previously developed land in sustainable locations and appropriate weight and priority is given to re-use for residential housing land, within and outside the Green Belt.

Q3: Yes - The Sow N Grow Nursery site comprises previously developed land in an area where there is limited supply of such land in sustainable locations. It is a sustainable location. Pre-application discussions are at an advanced stage and a draft scheme for 42 dwellings has been prepared and submitted herewith. Greenfield sites are less appropriate - See attached information.

Q4: The reuse of previously developed land at West Horndon is supported as better for redevelopment than use of Greenfield Land - as at Dunton Green. Priority should be given to previously developed land.

Q5: Yes - Sites on the edge of urban areas and urban extensions are preferred against new settlements on Greenfield Land. This is because development adjoining or on edge of a settlement allow better utilisation of existing infrastructure and urban services.

Q6: For identified suitable settlements and villages some small greenfield sites in sustainable locations should be considered for release from the Green Belt but after release and allocation as a preferred site for development where is previously developed land e.g. Sow N Grow site.

Q7: Yes - Sustainable employment areas should be allocated close to / near the strategic highway network, on greenfield sites if need be, where sustainable , to allow unsuitable employment sites to be released where there is poor access to the highway and there are adverse amenity impacts.

Q8: Yes - No further comment.

Q9: Yes - There is scope for existing greenfield land adjacent to settlements which may be poorly utilised for agriculture, e.g. scrubland around Pilgrims Hatch that could provide open and recreational space. These should not be released for development.

Q10:
Scenic Beauty - 3
Outdoor Recreation / Leisure Use - 4
Wildlife Interest - 3
Historic Interest - 3
Tranquility - 2

Q11:
Houses - 4
Commercial / Industrial buildings - 4
Nature reserves / wildlife - 2
Farmland - 2
Woodland - 2
Degraded / Derelict / Waste land - 2
Infrastructure - 4
Leisure / Recreation Facilities - 2

Q12: Yes - Overall policies required with regard to utilising more efficiently existing infrastructure and urban services and new infrastructure and urban services where these are to be provided.

Q13: Sustainable drainage, recreation / education and highways / public transport services.

CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

BACKGROUND.

This response follows pre-application discussions and a draft scheme for the Sow N Grow site submitted for pre-application advice. This is on-going, pending progress with the development plan document being adopted, when the site can be released from the defined Metropolitan Green Belt following National Planning Practice Guidance amended in October 2014.

Following the most recent pre-application advice a possible scheme has been amended to now show both Phase 1 and Phase 2 as was requested, with a feasibility layout for some 42 dwellings. The layout prepared for further discussions is now attached and is shown in the Medusa Design drawing forming part of this response.

This site is owned by the three members of the Armiger family who will act together to seek planning permission and develop the site once the requirements of the National Planning Practice Guidance are met or if the development plan process is sufficiently advanced to then allow for the release of this previously developed land from the Green Belt as a preferred allocation. Development could commence very quickly and be completed with five years.

It is a site in a highly sustainable location well served by public transport and other urban services and facilities within walkable distance.

It would not take any greenfield land away from agricultural use. The proposed redevelopment would give many amenity and visual improvements to the locality as well. The current mature and established treeline will be retained. The scheme would enhance the area.

The remaining small businesses need to expand and relocate to better premises and they are willing to do so on short notice terms . It can therefore be quickly developed to help meet objectively assessed housing needs in the Borough and locally.

It is understood that if the site is taken out of the Green Belt through the development plan process in accord with the NPPF and NPPG, then the local planning authority would have no objection in principle to residential redevelopment.

This response is made with this prospect in mind and the latest feasibility plan is enclosed at A4 print out (not to scale).

In addition to the detail of the comments in the response form MrArmiger would like the following comments including the above are added:

Q1: The broad areas for different approaches to the Strategic Growth Options are agreed. However regard should be had to the necessity for over-arching Borough wide policy guidance as well to ensure coherent treatment of development options and future applications to accord with then NPPF and NPPG.

Q2: The availability of previously developed land within each area needs to be known and assessed before policy can be fully determined, and the availability assessed of sites, whether within or outside the Green Belt.

Within the sub-areas where there is limited previously developed land mostly within the green belt then these should be given more weight in releasing such land than areas where there are greater areas of such land, e.g West Homdon, and there should be an overall requirement to ensure there is policy guidance for development giving weight to previously developed land being used, before the release of greenfield land, whether within or outside the greenbelt.

This would be important for the Brentwood and Pilgrims Hatch areas, and any other areas adjoining Brentwood's and other settlement's built up areas.

Q3: For the above reasons and for the reasons given in the first page of this response a previously developed piece of land of limited visual and of no agricultural value or purpose should be given great weight for release for residential redevelopment in new policy even if within the greenbelt, throughout the Borough and for the local area, and for this part of Pilgrims Hatch in particular.

The Sow N Grow site is particularly suitable for release from the Green Belt and residential development as previously developed land. Other Pilgrims Hatch sites are greenfield or scrub open land and not so suitable and should be given lower or no priority.

Such an approach would then allow less favourable sites in greenfield and agricultural use to remain in uses appropriate to the green belt, including open space and recreational use, unless very special circumstances apply. By allowing such sites as Sow N Grow and others comprising previously developed land to be released first for development it follows the need for the use of greenfield sites would be reduced throughout the Borough until essential for release.

Accordingly large green field site are objected to being developed throughout the Borough, and only if demonstrably needed should they be released, and only after all previously developed land is first utilised. A sequential over-arching policy is required.

With regard to Pilgrims Hatch a further two pages submission is made to this document supporting the release of the Sow N Grow Site No.010 with comments.

With regard to Pilgrims Hatch the following sites are not considered suitable for release from the Green Belt and/or residential development with further comments as appended in Response to Question3:

011A, 011B, 011C, 023, 024A, 0248, 053B, 147, 148, 156, 159, 176, 189, and 198.

COMMENTS ON SITES

010 Sow & Grow Nursery, Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Support development for reasons given in a separate document because this is agreed to be, and is, previously developed land.

011A, 011B & 011C Land rear of 10-20 Orchard Lane, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 3.47ha in total. Mainly greenfield and or agricultural land. Not previously developed land (PDL).

012 Garage courts adjacent 49 Lavender Avenue, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection.

023 Land off Doddinghurst Road, either side of A12, Brentwood - Object. 7.2 ha. Mainly greenfield/ animal sanctuary land. Not PDL.

024A & 024B Sawyers Hall Farm, Sawyers Hall Lane/Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood - Object. In total some 20.25 ha. Mainly greenfield / animal sanctuary land. Not PDL.

053A Land rear of 146-148 Hatch Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No Comment.

053B Land rear of 146-148 Hatch Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 4.0 ha mainly greenfield or woodland. Not PDL.

054 Garages adjacent 25 Kings George's Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No comment.

086 Land at Sandringham Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection.

088 Bishops Hall Community Centre and land & 089 Brentwood Centre and land - No objection to retention of the existing use.

097 Harewood Road bungalows, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection as above (89).

132A & 132B Land at Albany Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection if PDL.

134 Land at Gloucester Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood - No objection of PDL.

137A & 137B Land at Broomwood Gardens and Dounsell Court, Ongar Road - No objection if PDL.

147 Land at Joy Fook restaurant, adjacent Bentley Golf Club, Ongar Road - Object. 0.47 ha. Isolated site. Not a sustainable location.

148 Land at Moat Farm, 48 Crow Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object 0.69 ha. Greenfield land and not PDL.

156 Greenacres Riding Stables & land opposite, Beads Hall Lane - Object 5.5 ha. The site is not fully PDL and in an unsustainable location.

159 Land off Crow Green Lane, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 2.8 ha Greenfield land and not PDL.

176 Land at former Bentley Zoo, Hullets Lane, Brentwood - Object. Garden land not PDL

189 Former Catrina Nursery, Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 2.89 ha. Greenfield land and not fully PDL.

198 Land to the south-east of Doddinghurst Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 5.69 ha. Greenfield and agricultural land and not PDL.

227 144 Crow Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No comment.

GT009 Cottage Garden, Beads Hall Lane, Pilgrims Hatch - Gypsy site no comment.

Please find a paper Response submitted on behalf of Ms Maxine Armiger comprising the following documents all forming part of the response:

1. The completed response form.
2. The attachments being further responses on pages 1-3 on the questions posed, a further 3 pages supporting development on the Sow N Grow Nursery site in Pilgrims Hatch with objections and comments on other sites in Pilgrims Hatch, and a feasibility plan (not to scale) for 42 dwellings for the Sow N Grow Nursery site.

CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE

Q1: Yes - Agreed in principle - However the development plan also requires clear over-arching Borough wide policies to allocate sustainable development with priority given to re-using previously developed land.

Q2: Yes - Broadly yes - However each area requires reference to availably of previously developed land in sustainable locations and appropriate weight and priority is given to re-use for residential housing land, within and outside the Green Belt.

Q3: Yes - The Sow N Grow Nursery site comprises previously developed land in an area where there is limited supply of such land in sustainable locations. It is a sustainable location. Pre-application discussions are at an advanced stage and a draft scheme for 42 dwellings has been prepared and submitted herewith. Greenfield sites are less appropriate - See attached information.

Q4: The reuse of previously developed land at West Horndon is supported as better for redevelopment than use of Greenfield Land - as at Dunton Green. Priority should be given to previously developed land.

Q5: Yes - Sites on the edge of urban areas and urban extensions are preferred against new settlements on Greenfield Land. This is because development adjoining or on edge of a settlement allow better utilisation of existing infrastructure and urban services.

Q6: For identified suitable settlements and villages some small greenfield sites in sustainable locations should be considered for release from the Green Belt but after release and allocation as a preferred site for development where is previously developed land e.g. Sow N Grow site.

Q7: Yes - Sustainable employment areas should be allocated close to / near the strategic highway network, on greenfield sites if need be, where sustainable , to allow unsuitable employment sites to be released where there is poor access to the highway and there are adverse amenity impacts.

Q8: Yes - No further comment.

Q9: Yes - There is scope for existing greenfield land adjacent to settlements which may be poorly utilised for agriculture, e.g. scrubland around Pilgrims Hatch that could provide open and recreational space. These should not be released for development.

Q10:
Scenic Beauty - 3
Outdoor Recreation / Leisure Use - 4
Wildlife Interest - 3
Historic Interest - 3
Tranquility - 2

Q11:
Houses - 4
Commercial / Industrial buildings - 4
Nature reserves / wildlife - 2
Farmland - 2
Woodland - 2
Degraded / Derelict / Waste land - 2
Infrastructure - 4
Leisure / Recreation Facilities - 2

Q12: Yes - Overall policies required with regard to utilising more efficiently existing infrastructure and urban services and new infrastructure and urban services where these are to be provided.

Q13: Sustainable drainage, recreation / education and highways / public transport services.

CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

BACKGROUND.

This response follows pre-application discussions and a draft scheme for the Sow N Grow site submitted for pre-application advice. This is on-going, pending progress with the development plan document being adopted, when the site can be released from the defined Metropolitan Green Belt following National Planning Practice Guidance amended in October 2014.

Following the most recent pre-application advice a possible scheme has been amended to now show both Phase 1 and Phase 2 as was requested, with a feasibility layout for some 42 dwellings. The layout prepared for further discussions is now attached and is shown in the Medusa Design drawing forming part of this response.

This site is owned by the three members of the Armiger family who will act together to seek planning permission and develop the site once the requirements of the National Planning Practice Guidance are met or if the development plan process is sufficiently advanced to then allow for the release of this previously developed land from the Green Belt as a preferred allocation. Development could commence very quickly and be completed with five years.

It is a site in a highly sustainable location well served by public transport and other urban services and facilities within walkable distance.

It would not take any greenfield land away from agricultural use. The proposed redevelopment would give many amenity and visual improvements to the locality as well. The current mature and established treeline will be retained. The scheme would enhance the area.

The remaining small businesses need to expand and relocate to better premises and they are willing to do so on short notice terms . It can therefore be quickly developed to help meet objectively assessed housing needs in the Borough and locally.

It is understood that if the site is taken out of the Green Belt through the development plan process in accord with the NPPF and NPPG, then the local planning authority would have no objection in principle to residential redevelopment.

This response is made with this prospect in mind and the latest feasibility plan is enclosed at A4 print out (not to scale).

In addition to the detail of the comments in the response form MrArmiger would like the following comments including the above are added:

Q1: The broad areas for different approaches to the Strategic Growth Options are agreed. However regard should be had to the necessity for over-arching Borough wide policy guidance as well to ensure coherent treatment of development options and future applications to accord with then NPPF and NPPG.

Q2: The availability of previously developed land within each area needs to be known and assessed before policy can be fully determined, and the availability assessed of sites, whether within or outside the Green Belt.

Within the sub-areas where there is limited previously developed land mostly within the green belt then these should be given more weight in releasing such land than areas where there are greater areas of such land, e.g West Homdon, and there should be an overall requirement to ensure there is policy guidance for development giving weight to previously developed land being used, before the release of greenfield land, whether within or outside the greenbelt.

This would be important for the Brentwood and Pilgrims Hatch areas, and any other areas adjoining Brentwood's and other settlement's built up areas.

Q3: For the above reasons and for the reasons given in the first page of this response a previously developed piece of land of limited visual and of no agricultural value or purpose should be given great weight for release for residential redevelopment in new policy even if within the greenbelt, throughout the Borough and for the local area, and for this part of Pilgrims Hatch in particular.

The Sow N Grow site is particularly suitable for release from the Green Belt and residential development as previously developed land. Other Pilgrims Hatch sites are greenfield or scrub open land and not so suitable and should be given lower or no priority.

Such an approach would then allow less favourable sites in greenfield and agricultural use to remain in uses appropriate to the green belt, including open space and recreational use, unless very special circumstances apply. By allowing such sites as Sow N Grow and others comprising previously developed land to be released first for development it follows the need for the use of greenfield sites would be reduced throughout the Borough until essential for release.

Accordingly large green field site are objected to being developed throughout the Borough, and only if demonstrably needed should they be released, and only after all previously developed land is first utilised. A sequential over-arching policy is required.

With regard to Pilgrims Hatch a further two pages submission is made to this document supporting the release of the Sow N Grow Site No.010 with comments.

With regard to Pilgrims Hatch the following sites are not considered suitable for release from the Green Belt and/or residential development with further comments as appended in Response to Question3:

011A, 011B, 011C, 023, 024A, 0248, 053B, 147, 148, 156, 159, 176, 189, and 198.

COMMENTS ON SITES

010 Sow & Grow Nursery, Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Support development for reasons given in a separate document because this is agreed to be, and is, previously developed land.

011A, 011B & 011C Land rear of 10-20 Orchard Lane, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 3.47ha in total. Mainly greenfield and or agricultural land. Not previously developed land (PDL).

012 Garage courts adjacent 49 Lavender Avenue, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection.

023 Land off Doddinghurst Road, either side of A12, Brentwood - Object. 7.2 ha. Mainly greenfield/ animal sanctuary land. Not PDL.

024A & 024B Sawyers Hall Farm, Sawyers Hall Lane/ Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood - Object. In total some 20.25 ha. Mainly greenfield/ animal sanctuary land. Not PDL.

053A Land rear of 146-148 Hatch Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No Comment.

053B Land rear of 146-148 Hatch Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 4.0 ha mainly greenfield or woodland. Not PDL.

054 Garages adjacent 25 Kings George's Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No comment.

086 Land at Sandringham Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection.

088 Bishops Hall Community Centre and land & 089 Brentwood Centre and land - No objection to retention of the existing use.

097 Harewood Road bungalows, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection as above (89).

132A & 132B Land at Albany Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection if PDL.

134 Land at Gloucester Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood - No objection of PDL.

137A & 137B Land at Broomwood Gardens and Dounsell Court, Ongar Road - No objection if PDL.

147 Land at Joy Fook restaurant, adjacent Bentley Golf Club, Ongar Road - Object. 0.47 ha. Isolated site. Not a sustainable location.

148 Land at Moat Farm, 48 Crow Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object 0.69 ha. Greenfield land and not PDL.

156 Greenacres Riding Stables & land opposite, Beads Hall Lane - Object 5.5 ha. The site is not fully PDL and in an unsustainable location.

159 Land off Crow Green Lane, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 2.8 ha Greenfield land and not PDL.

176 Land at former Bentley Zoo, Hullets Lane, Brentwood - Object. Garden land not PDL

189 Former Catrina Nursery, Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 2.89 ha. Greenfield land and not fully PDL.

198 Land to the south-east of Doddinghurst Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 5.69 ha. Greenfield and agricultural land and not PDL.

227 144 Crow Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No comment.

GT009 Cottage Garden, Beads Hall Lane, Pilgrims Hatch - Gypsy site no comment.

Please find a paper Response submitted on behalf of Mr Derek Armiger comprising the following documents all forming part of the response:

1. The completed response form.
2. The attachments being further responses on pages 1-3 on the questions posed, a further 3 pages supporting development on the Sow N Grow Nursery site in Pilgrims Hatch with objections and comments on other sites in Pilgrims Hatch, and a feasibility plan (not to scale) for 42 dwellings for the Sow N Grow Nursery site.

CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE

Q1: Yes - Agreed in principle - However the development plan also requires clear over-arching Borough wide policies to allocate sustainable development with priority given to re-using previously developed land.

Q2: Yes - Broadly yes - However each area requires reference to availably of previously developed land in sustainable locations and appropriate weight and priority is given to re-use for residential housing land, within and outside the Green Belt.

Q3: Yes - The Sow N Grow Nursery site comprises previously developed land in an area where there is limited supply of such land in sustainable locations. It is a sustainable location. Pre-application discussions are at an advanced stage and a draft scheme for 42 dwellings has been prepared and submitted herewith. Greenfield sites are less appropriate - See attached information.

Q4: The reuse of previously developed land at West Horndon is supported as better for redevelopment than use of Greenfield Land - as at Dunton Green. Priority should be given to previously developed land.

Q5: Yes - Sites on the edge of urban areas and urban extensions are preferred against new settlements on Greenfield Land. This is because development adjoining or on edge of a settlement allow better utilisation of existing infrastructure and urban services.

Q6: For identified suitable settlements and villages some small greenfield sites in sustainable locations should be considered for release from the Green Belt but after release and allocation as a preferred site for development where is previously developed land e.g. Sow N Grow site.

Q7: Yes - Sustainable employment areas should be allocated close to / near the strategic highway network, on greenfield sites if need be, where sustainable , to allow unsuitable employment sites to be released where there is poor access to the highway and there are adverse amenity impacts.

Q8: Yes - No further comment.

Q9: Yes - There is scope for existing greenfield land adjacent to settlements which may be poorly utilised for agriculture, e.g. scrubland around Pilgrims Hatch that could provide open and recreational space. These should not be released for development.

Q10:
Scenic Beauty - 3
Outdoor Recreation / Leisure Use - 4
Wildlife Interest - 3
Historic Interest - 3
Tranquility - 2

Q11:
Houses - 4
Commercial / Industrial buildings - 4
Nature reserves / wildlife - 2
Farmland - 2
Woodland - 2
Degraded / Derelict / Waste land - 2
Infrastructure - 4
Leisure / Recreation Facilities - 2

Q12: Yes - Overall policies required with regard to utilising more efficiently existing infrastructure and urban services and new infrastructure and urban services where these are to be provided.

Q13: Sustainable drainage, recreation / education and highways / public transport services.

CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

BACKGROUND.

This response follows pre-application discussions and a draft scheme for the Sow N Grow site submitted for pre-application advice. This is on-going, pending progress with the development plan document being adopted, when the site can be released from the defined Metropolitan Green Belt following National Planning Practice Guidance amended in October 2014.

Following the most recent pre-application advice a possible scheme has been amended to now show both Phase 1 and Phase 2 as was requested, with a feasibility layout for some 42 dwellings. The layout prepared for further discussions is now attached and is shown in the Medusa Design drawing forming part of this response.

This site is owned by the three members of the Armiger family who will act together to seek planning permission and develop the site once the requirements of the National Planning Practice Guidance are met or if the development plan process is sufficiently advanced to then allow for the release of this previously developed land from the Green Belt as a preferred allocation. Development could commence very quickly and be completed with five years.

It is a site in a highly sustainable location well served by public transport and other urban services and facilities within walkable distance.

It would not take any greenfield land away from agricultural use. The proposed redevelopment would give many amenity and visual improvements to the locality as well. The current mature and established treeline will be retained. The scheme would enhance the area.

The remaining small businesses need to expand and relocate to better premises and they are willing to do so on short notice terms . It can therefore be quickly developed to help meet objectively assessed housing needs in the Borough and locally.

It is understood that if the site is taken out of the Green Belt through the development plan process in accord with the NPPF and NPPG, then the local planning authority would have no objection in principle to residential redevelopment.

This response is made with this prospect in mind and the latest feasibility plan is enclosed at A4 print out (not to scale).

In addition to the detail of the comments in the response form MrArmiger would like the following comments including the above are added:

Q1: The broad areas for different approaches to the Strategic Growth Options are agreed. However regard should be had to the necessity for over-arching Borough wide policy guidance as well to ensure coherent treatment of development options and future applications to accord with then NPPF and NPPG.

Q2: The availability of previously developed land within each area needs to be known and assessed before policy can be fully determined, and the availability assessed of sites, whether within or outside the Green Belt.

Within the sub-areas where there is limited previously developed land mostly within the green belt then these should be given more weight in releasing such land than areas where there are greater areas of such land, e.g West Homdon, and there should be an overall requirement to ensure there is policy guidance for development giving weight to previously developed land being used, before the release of greenfield land, whether within or outside the greenbelt.

This would be important for the Brentwood and Pilgrims Hatch areas, and any other areas adjoining Brentwood's and other settlement's built up areas.

Q3: For the above reasons and for the reasons given in the first page of this response a previously developed piece of land of limited visual and of no agricultural value or purpose should be given great weight for release for residential redevelopment in new policy even if within the greenbelt, throughout the Borough and for the local area, and for this part of Pilgrims Hatch in particular.

The Sow N Grow site is particularly suitable for release from the Green Belt and residential development as previously developed land. Other Pilgrims Hatch sites are greenfield or scrub open land and not so suitable and should be given lower or no priority.

Such an approach would then allow less favourable sites in greenfield and agricultural use to remain in uses appropriate to the green belt, including open space and recreational use, unless very special circumstances apply. By allowing such sites as Sow N Grow and others comprising previously developed land to be released first for development it follows the need for the use of greenfield sites would be reduced throughout the Borough until essential for release.

Accordingly large green field site are objected to being developed throughout the Borough, and only if demonstrably needed should they be released, and only after all previously developed land is first utilised. A sequential over-arching policy is required.

With regard to Pilgrims Hatch a further two pages submission is made to this document supporting the release of the Sow N Grow Site No.010 with comments.

With regard to Pilgrims Hatch the following sites are not considered suitable for release from the Green Belt and/or residential development with further comments as appended in Response to Question3:

011A, 011B, 011C, 023, 024A, 0248, 053B, 147, 148, 156, 159, 176, 189, and 198.

COMMENTS ON SITES

010 Sow & Grow Nursery, Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Support development for reasons given in a separate document because this is agreed to be, and is, previously developed land.

011A, 011B & 011C Land rear of 10-20 Orchard Lane, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 3.47ha in total. Mainly greenfield and or agricultural land. Not previously developed land (PDL).

012 Garage courts adjacent 49 Lavender Avenue, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection.

023 Land off Doddinghurst Road, either side of A12, Brentwood - Object. 7.2 ha. Mainly greenfield/ animal sanctuary land. Not PDL.

024A & 024B Sawyers Hall Farm, Sawyers Hall Lane/ Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood - Object. In total some 20.25 ha. Mainly greenfield/ animal sanctuary land. Not PDL.

053A Land rear of 146-148 Hatch Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No Comment.

053B Land rear of 146-148 Hatch Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 4.0 ha mainly greenfield or woodland. Not PDL.

054 Garages adjacent 25 Kings George's Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No comment.

086 Land at Sandringham Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection.

088 Bishops Hall Community Centre and land & 089 Brentwood Centre and land - No objection to retention of the existing use.

097 Harewood Road bungalows, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection as above (89).

132A & 132B Land at Albany Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No objection if PDL.

134 Land at Gloucester Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood - No objection of PDL.

137A & 137B Land at Broomwood Gardens and Dounsell Court, Ongar Road - No objection if PDL.

147 Land at Joy Fook restaurant, adjacent Bentley Golf Club, Ongar Road - Object. 0.47 ha. Isolated site. Not a sustainable location.

148 Land at Moat Farm, 48 Crow Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object 0.69 ha. Greenfield land and not PDL.

156 Greenacres Riding Stables & land opposite, Beads Hall Lane - Object 5.5 ha. The site is not fully PDL and in an unsustainable location.

159 Land off Crow Green Lane, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 2.8 ha Greenfield land and not PDL.

176 Land at former Bentley Zoo, Hullets Lane, Brentwood - Object. Garden land not PDL

189 Former Catrina Nursery, Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 2.89 ha. Greenfield land and not fully PDL.

198 Land to the south-east of Doddinghurst Road, Pilgrims Hatch - Object. 5.69 ha. Greenfield and agricultural land and not PDL.

227 144 Crow Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch - No comment.

GT009 Cottage Garden, Beads Hall Lane, Pilgrims Hatch - Gypsy site no comment.

Q1: Do you agree with the broad areas, for the purpose of considering approaches to growth?
Yes
No X

Comments








?

Q2: Do you agree with the issues raised within each of these areas?

Yes
No X

Comments







?

Q3: Do you have any comments on the appropriateness of particular sites?

Yes X
No

Comments
Sites 209, 043,080,188 are not appropriate for development sites - there are already significant safety issues with the crossroads adjacent to these proposed development areas and an increase in vehicular movements would only prove to exacerbate the problem. The sites are very rural and there is no connectivity in terms of cycle routes or pedestrian routes to the neighbouring village, so residents are more likely to use conventional forms of transport because of distance and safety issues. Site 209 is also open fields at the moment and development of these would have both a detrimental effect in terms of environmental impact on the area and views for the neighbouring properties.









?

Q4: Given the greater capacity for growth along the A127 corridor, which of the sites put forward do you think is the best location for growth?



Comments







?

Q5: Should the A12 corridor accommodate growth by releasing sites on the edge of urban areas?
Yes X
No

Comments

This would be more appropriate than the rural areas depending on improvements to local infrastructure and connectivity to arterial routes and M25 junctions





?

Q6: In order to provide for local need is it preferable for Greenfield sites on the edge of villages to be released, or to develop brownfield sites (both within the Green Belt)?



Comments

Development of brownfield sites






?

Q7: To enable future employment need to be met do you agree that the most sustainable approach is to allocate new sites close to the strategic highway network?
Yes X
No

Comments

For the purpose of transport and commuting.






?

Q8: In order to ensure that the Town Centre remains economically sustainable, do you agree that a "Town Centre First" approach should be taken to retail development?
Yes X
No

Comments










?

Q9: Are there opportunities for more open space provision in the area where you live?

Yes

No X

Comments
NO






?

Q10: Please rate the level to which you value the landscape near where you live (on a scale of 1 to 5), as compared to other areas within Brentwood Borough, for the following aspects:
Aspect: Very Low Low Average High Very High
Scenic Beauty / Attractivness 1 2 3 4 5X
Outdoor Recreation / Leisure Use 1 2 3 4 5X
Wildlife Interest 1 2 3 4 5X
Historic Interest 1 2 3 4 5X
Tranquility 1 2 3 4 5X
Other - please specify:

............RURAL............................. 1 2 3 4 5X


?

Q11: To what extent do you think the following are present in the landscape near where you live (on a scale of 1 to 4):
Aspect: Absent Occasional Frequent Predominant
Houses 1 2 3 4X
Commercial / Industrial buildings 2X 3 4
Nature Reserves / Wildlife 1 2 3 4X
Farmland 1 2 3 4X
Woodland 1 2 3 4X
Degraded / Derelict / Waste land 1 X 3 4
Infastructure (Road / Rail / Pylons etc.) 1 2X 3 4
Leisure / Recreation Facilities 1 2X 3 4
Other - please specify:

......................................... 1 2 3 4





?

Q12: Have we considered the main infrastructure issues? Are there other important issues to consider?
Yes
No

Comments







?

Q13: What do you think the priorities for infrastructure spending should be?




Comments

see attached

1. Managing Growth

Q1 Do you agree with the three broad areas, for the purpose of considering
approaches to growth.
Q2 Do you agree with the issues raised for each of these three areas.

The whole Borough should be looked at as a whole when considering a coordinated approach to growth. To split the Borough into three broad areas does not achieve the primary objective, which is growth to enable the Borough to grow as a whole. The approach taken by the Council allows it to weight significant growth in the area it wishes, which is predominantly the A127 Corridor and to limit growth elsewhere in the Borough.

In the last consultation document, West Horndon was strongly pushed by the Council as an area that could take significant growth. There was strong objection to this plan, so the Council have decided to move the area slightly eastwards but still achieving its objective of siting the majority of the required housing as far away from the main conurbations of the Borough as possible and calling it Dunton Garden Suburb. The word garden is designed to make the area sound prettier than it really is. Again the Council have ignored the need to spread development throughout the Borough.

The wording of the three areas is misleading and highlights areas of concern for development in the north of the Borough and the A12 Corridor whilst glossing over any issues with development within the A127 Corridor. Why does the Council believe that "although the A127 suffers from congestion problems it has more scope for improvements than the A12 ". The A127 has significant problems and is beset with traffic issues. The amount of money needed and infrastructure changes required to sort either the A127 or the A12 out to handle a new town will/would be massive. The damage caused to the environment whilst the work was being undertaken and the resulting damage to the landscape would be irreparable.

As previously mentioned the issues for the three broad areas are significantly weighted against Option A (North of the Borough) and Option B (A 12 Corridor) in favour of Option C (A127 Corridor). It is accepted that land will have to be released from the Green Belt to allow the Borough to reach its housing target and provide the necessary employment land.

If the Borough is considered as a whole instead of splitting it into areas then development on the outskirt of sustainable villages such as Ingatestone, Hutton, Kelvedon Hatch etc along with larger developments on the outskirts of Brentwood and Shenfield would allow the impact on the Green Belt to be minimised. To erect 4000 plus houses along with employment land along the A127 Corridor would create more damage to the Green Belt. The Council seek to minimise the effect by describing the land as of different landscape character and making this a reason for encouraging development. First and foremost it is Green Belt and its different character should be the reason for encouraging its preservation and not destroying it.

In the Council`s latest Sustainability Appraisal it states: "Sites which make up Option 5 would be dispersed around the periphery of towns and villages. While this would lead to adverse landscape effects, it is considered that the smaller scale of developments would reduce the adverse effects compared to the other four options. There would be greater scope to avoid development in areas or particular landscape sensitivity and/or Green Belt value." The preservation of the Green Belt, according to one of the Council`s previous questionnaires, is the primary concern of the residents of the Borough. The potential for development throughout the Borough not just on a few large sites and one in particular would more accurately achieve this concern.

2. Sustainable Communities

Q3 Do you have any comments on the appropriateness of particular sites
Q4 Given the greater capacity for growth along the A127 Corridor, which of the sites put forward do you think is the best location for growth.
Q5 Should the A12 Corridor accommodate growth by releasing sites on the edge of urban areas.
Q6 In order to provide for local need is it preferable for greenfield sites on the edge of villages to be released, or to develop brownfield sites (both within Green Belt).

The Appropriateness or not of sites was looked at during the SHLAA Consultation. With over 230 sites put forward during this process it is not possible to comment on the appropriateness of every site. It is considered that a new more up-to-date Consultation should take place due to the time lag and new Government Policy since the original Consultation in 2009.

Site ref no 220 - Collins Farm, Goodwood Avenue, Hutton is a greenfield site that lies on the edge of Hutton. In the original SHLAA assessment it stated; "Availability dependant on the farm tenancy. The site is under option by a developer. The site offers good location for the extension to Goodwood Avenue and Hutton. There is good access to the road network, adjacent to an area of nature conservation to the North and West. The site however is a large extension into open countryside and as such has been discounted".

There was confusion in the original submission hence why the whole farm was shown outlined on the plan submitted. In March 2010 further information was submitted showing the area for development being reduced by approximately 70% of the total area and allowing for an extension of the conservation area onto land adjoining the site. With the increase in housing numbers required by the Borough, this site allows for sustainable growth whilst increasing the area of green open space. There is no farm tenancy affecting the land so the site can meet the existing demand for houses in the Borough.

Question 4 regarding growth along the A127 Corridor is a leading question that assumes that development should take place along the A127. As previously mentioned, it is considered that development can be accommodated throughout the Borough with a proportion of this development along the A127. West Horndon would be considered the most appropriate viable option to take limited development along the A127 Corridor due to existing infrastructure.

Any residential development along the A127 Corridor is likely to have minimal impact on the long term sustainability and stability of Brentwood Town Centre and village communities spread throughout the Borough. The proposed Dunton Garden Suburb may benefit Basildon Town Centre but will not benefit Brentwood. The sustainability of initially the West Horndon Scheme and now Dunton Garden Suburb scheme must be called into question. The infrastructure will need substantial investment and the area of Green Belt lost would not fit in with Council policies.

As part of an integrated scheme sites should be released along the A12 Corridor to encourage the long term prosperity of Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone. This option should be joined with the other options to enable the Borough to grow in a sustainable way. The strategic growth options should enable the Borough to have a long term plan, this will not be achieved by building the majority of houses required at the furthest South Eastern tip of the Borough.

Brentwood Borough, as shown by the recent Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA), is a Borough where people want to live. There is a proven need for more houses throughout the Borough, not just for those wishing to commute into London but for those wishing to work within the Borough. The SHMA described Brentwood as an affluent area with higher than average employment, low unemployment and average pay higher than benchmark
averages.

The question that needs to be asked by the Council is why do people wish to move into the Borough and where do they wish to live and not just where can we build thousands of homes to meet our housing target.

In relation to question 6, it has previously been mentioned that an integrated approach is required to meet the housing demand within the Borough. It is interesting to note that as this option is clearly the least favoured by the Council it mentions land lost within the Green Belt whereas Questions 4 and 5 both fail to mention that development for these options will predominantly be within the Green Belt.

The Borough`s population is expanding and is expected to grow by approximately 10% between 2011-2021, this is in fact lower than the average for Essex as a whole. The number of households is expected to grow by a similar figure over the same period, these figures are well below the Boroughs of Colchester and Braintree. This equates to at least 3000 new homes in this period. Migration into the Borough is growing according to the SHMA and this is expected to continue. Migration helps the Borough`s economy through houses built and
sold, new businesses and support for existing businesses within Brentwood and surrounding villages. Development throughout the Borough will provide the necessary diverse housing required by its existing and future residents. Diverse housing is also required by the government.

An extract from the latest government guidance states; ".... Address the need for all types of housing, including affordable housing and the needs of different groups in the community and caters for housing demand and the scale of housing supply necessary to meet demand." By providing new homes throughout the Borough, including on the edge of villages, the Council will be meeting the criteria as set down by the government. It will be providing a variety of houses/sites to meet the varied demand of the population, this will not be met by building thousands of houses in Dunton which lies distant from the heart of the Borough.

Building on the edge of villages will not just be meeting local need, as the question infers, it will be meeting the need of existing residents and those wishing to move into the Borough. In the Council`s own literature it is accepted that the least harm to the Green Belt will be to build on the outskirts of villages, on smallish sites spread throughout the Borough. Within the recent SHMA it recognises the clear need for more houses within the Borough and that one of the main reasons for moving house, for existing householders, is the quality of the neighbourhood. For concealed householders the two main reasons for moving house was to be near family and they had always live here. Whilst the Council is set on building thousands of houses along the A127 Corridor, it is difficult to see how this meets the criteria of existing and concealed householders. An integrated housing policy, with development throughout the Borough would meet the main criteria for people wanting to move.

In the SHMA it was identified that 56.5% of residents travel to work by car, this is lower than all other benchmarks. With development throughout the Borough, increased public transport and a greater reliance on working from home this figure could be reduced further. There has been little/no mention of live/work units, these could be created to encourage people to work from home on a regular basis. With increased technology there is a trend for people to go into the office less and instead work from home. When live/work units were originally introduced they were for craftsmen to have workshops adjacent to their homes, this has progressed to a person having a fully functioning office above their garage or within their house - they are fully connected to their office but do not need to travel in every day. This reduces car usage and encourages the use of local facilities.

3. Economic Prosperity

Q7 To enable future development need to be met do you agree that the most
sustainable approach is to allocate new sites close to the strategic highway network.

Q8 In order to ensure that the Town Centre remains economically sustainable, do
you agree that a "Town Centre First" approach should be taken to retail development.


Constructing new employment sites near/adjoining the strategic highway network,
throughout the Borough (not just along the A127) will attract multi-national firms to the area whilst providing employment to local residents. To be sustainable it will be necessary to improve/provide public transport to the sites. There must be consideration for local businesses to expand and to encourage new businesses within residential areas providing they are compatible ie office use, shops etc. By providing an integrated approach it will encourage new sites to be developed and for businesses to grow within villages, thereby providing local employment and reducing car usage.

To ensure that the Town Centre remains economically sustainable it is essential that housing development is not solely situated as far from the Town Centre as possible in Dunton. Public transport needs to be improved to enable access to the Town Centre and parking provisions need to be appropriate for those wishing to drive. The Council could consider the approach taken by Chelmsford Council of providing a park and ride scheme, to avoid congestion in and around the City Centre and to encourage shoppers into the City. A coordinated approach that considers the motorist is essential to enable the town to survive and thrive in the long term. There has to be greater access to the Town otherwise residents will drive to Lakeside/Bluewater where there is plentiful parking. The residents of the Borough should be encouraged to see the Town Centre as their main destination whilst using local shops where possible.


4. Environmental Protection and Enhancement

Q9 Are there opportunities for more open space provision in the area where you
live.

Q10 Please rate the level to which you value the landscape near where you live.

Q11 To what extent do you think the following is present in the landscape near
where you live; Houses, Commercial buildings, Nature Reserves, Farmland, Woodland, Wasteland, Infrastructure, Leisure Facilities, Other?


The Borough is well supplied with footpaths and open spaces, there are always
opportunities for more open spaces but are they needed or necessary. Opportunities could arise through more development throughout the Borough with developers providing money for the Parish they are building in. This would go directly to the Parish Council, not the Borough, and spent within the Parish, to provide improved/new local facilities.

The Borough is predominantly Green Belt and therefore small scale development
throughout the Borough will have the least effect on the existing Landscape, as confirmed in the Council`s latest report. The landscape throughout the Borough is valued and offers opportunities to be enjoyed by all. There are Houses, Commercial buildings, Woodland, Farmland and Roads (including Bus stops) all are within 100 metres of the property, there are also footpaths and areas to walk.



5. Quality of Life & Community Infrastructure

Q12 Have we considered the main infrastructure issues? Are there other important issues to consider?

Q13 What do you think the priorities for infrastructure spending should be?

The main infrastructure issues have been considered however it is important that the money is directed in the right way. The priorities should be new schools, health facilities and improved road network including public transport. It is important for the Council to remember that the majority of the population still drive to work and therefore the roads in the Borough must be maintained to a high standard. The Borough is well served by its Green infrastructure and this should be at the low end of its priorities. The level of money spent on the infrastructure of the Borough must be kept at a level commensurate with an expanding population.

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I strongly object to the Strategic Growth Option Consultation Site References, as listed above:

Site Ref 011a

Hulletts Farm is a formally classified Grade 11 Listed property. Nowhere in Brentwood Borough Council's SHLAA does it acknowledge or state this. The surrounding land & buildings in its "curtilage" are also deemed to be Listed. These surrounding gardens, paddocks and attractive louvered brick & slate roofed farm buildings provide an important contribution to the setting and status of this 16th Century building. Any 21st century development demolishing these buildings and paddock, which stands just a few feet away from this medieval farmhouse, would directly go against National Planning Policy Framework guidelines.

The site is definitely not a "Brownfield" site as Hulletts Farm makes a significant contribution to the character and history of Pilgrims Hatch, along with neighbouring Gents Farm, further down Hulletts Lane.

The farm land & buildings were used for livestock farming until 2001, so their lawful use remains agricultural and is specifically excluded from the definition of "previously developed land" in NPPF page 55, along with private residential gardens. Any modern development being made within feet of the Farmhouse would irrevocably ruin its presence and historical value.

Your Planning Enforcement Officer, Mr Dean Baker, has himself confirmed, once alerted, that the slate roofs on the listed farm buildings were in serious dis-repair and after investigation requested that they be repaired/replaced to avoid any further deterioration of the buildings. This measure on its own confirms that the buildings are listed as otherwise he wouldn't have had the authority to enforce the required repairs.


Site Ref -11b

This site is a triangular field abutting the A128 Ongar Road. It has only been in the ownership of the current owners of Hulletts Farm for some 6-7 years and is constantly overgrown and waterlogged, as much of it is below road level. Below the undergrowth there is a pond at the northern end which I believe has a natural spring to it. This land is not suitable to be built on in any way or form and should be left alone.


Site Ref 011c

This site is Green Belt. These fields adjacent to Orchard Lane/Ash Close/Vale Close are landlocked and therefore inaccessible. I believe that there was an unsuccessfully attempt in 2009/10 to get planning permission - it was refused as "Not suitable - it is considered that any development would result in an unacceptable extension of Pilgrims Hatch into the countryside". The other part of this site runs down parallel to Hulletts Lane which is a Byway/Bridleway, behind the cottages down to Vine Cottages, which would be unacceptable to all local properties - this land is definitely Green Belt and therefore unsuitable to be build on.




To summarise, the impact of any development to this area would seriously diminish the amenity of many local properties in this picturesque setting of Pilgrims Hatch. Many local residents, hikers, dog walkers, horse riders and scout groups (which use this area regularly) would lose this much cherished recreational facility. Access to/from the site would be extremely difficult from A128 Ongar Road, as visibility is very poor in both directions. There would also be the loss of the byway/bridleway which makes up part of Hulletts Lane

Finally, the Council maps for sites 011a & 011c do not show the Listed property Hulletts Farm or any of its curtilage buildings - I therefore suggest that the whole site be removed as incorrectly prepared.

I look forward to receiving your confirmation that my objections have been received and logged in.