Question 13
Object
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4649
Received: 16/02/2015
Respondent: Mr David Harman
Public transport with some degree of integration. Buses linking to rail and to medical facilities would be good!
Somewhere to park ones car both at home and destination would be even better.
Public transport with some degree of integration. Buses linking to rail and to medical facilities would be good!
Somewhere to park ones car both at home and destination would be even better.
Support
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4662
Received: 16/02/2015
Respondent: Ms Olivia Sanders
you have asked me for an opinion, not a support or object response?? I am confused, this online consultation is not clear in that the responses you are request do not reflect the question??
Infrastructure spending should clearly be focussed on transport infrastructure, especially roads as we are a car owning town despite the rhetoric about using public transport, health and education should be priorities
you have asked me for an opinion, not a support or object response?? I am confused, tis online consultation is not clear in that the responses you are request do not reflect the question??
Infrastructure spending should clearly be focussed on transport infrastructure, especially roads as we are a car owning town despite the rhetoric about using public transport, health and education should be priorities
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4705
Received: 16/02/2015
Respondent: D. Rawlings
Promote green infrastructure. Provision of safe cycling / walking networks and improved public transport across the borough to reduce the reliance on cars and reduce congestion. Promote the provision of local hubs for community and healthcare facilities to relieve central congestion.
Promote green infrastructure. Provision of safe cycling / walking networks and improved public transport across the borough to reduce the reliance on cars and reduce congestion. Promote the provision of local hubs for community and healthcare facilities to relieve central congestion.
Object
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4708
Received: 16/02/2015
Respondent: Claire Brew
I also think you will be reaching to the current tax payers of this borough to support these proposals not only in monetary terms but with the disruption to their daily lives
I also think you will be reaching to the current tax payers of this borough to support these proposals not only in monetary terms but with the distruption to their daily lives
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4720
Received: 16/02/2015
Respondent: - Pete and Lindsey Davies
Infrastructure improvements should be concentrated around the large urban areas of the borough - eg Brentwood town centre.
Infrastructure improvements should be concentrated around the large urban areas of the borough - eg Brentwood town centre.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4729
Received: 16/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Alan Ormond
Given the scale of development proposed with the A127 corridor whilst there will be priorities the development will require infrastructure spending across all categories - education; healthcare; transport; green space; community facilities etc. Failure to provide any one element of this infrastructure will have a materially negative impact on both existing and new development.
Given the scale of development proposed with the A127 corridor whilst there will be priorities the development will require infrastructure spending across all categories - education; healthcare; transport; green space; community facilities etc. Failure to provide any one element of this infrastructure will have a materially negative impact on both existing and new development.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4750
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Mark Reed
These are all interwoven and musty be considered together, strategically.
These are all interwoven and musty be considered together, strategically.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4757
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mrs Sarah Tilbrook
I don't think there is a single priority. Having said that without suitable health, education and transport infrastructures in place then the borough would be failing current and new residents. There is no reason why all areas should not be provided along with the housing. This is the main reason that the proposed garden suburb may be the best solution.
I don't think there is a single priority. Having said that without suitable health, education and transport infrastructures in place then the borough would be failing current and new residents. There is no reason why all areas should not be provided along with the housing. This is the main reason that the proposed garden suburb may be the best solution.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4810
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: John Cannon
The roads need maintaining as it is. The number of accidents on the roads due to the speeds of traffic at present are exacerbated by the condition of the road edges which force drivers to use more of the centre of the road instead of using their own lane.
The roads need maintaining as it is. The number of accidents on the roads due to the speeds of traffic at present are exacerbated by the condition of the road edges which force drivers to use more of the center of the road instead of using their own lane.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4822
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Sasha Millwood
Local public transport infrastructure is erratic and expensive -- I refer in particular to the bus network. Investment in a better bus service, preferably so that it is co-ordinated with the train timetable, would be welcome, provided that fares became a lot more affordable. This is why I would favour high-density development in a small number of brownfield sites, since it is easier to make a dedicated bus service for a focussed centre of population, as opposed to urban sprawl.
Local public transport infrastructure is erratic and expensive -- I refer in particular to the bus network. Investment in a better bus service, preferably so that it is co-ordinated with the train timetable, would be welcome, provided that fares became a lot more affordable. This is why I would favour high-density development in a small number of brownfield sites, since it is easier to make a dedicated bus service for a focussed centre of population, as opposed to urban sprawl.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4870
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mrs Helen Gabell
There is no one area with greater need of infrastructure spending than any other. Any development along the A127 however would require huge sums of money to be spent on improving road, rail, schools, medical facilities, etc, all BEFORE any work could proceed on development of houses, commercial and retail property, etc. As all of this would remove even more of the limited protected greenbelt they already have in this area it proves that it is not a viable option.
There is no one area with greater need of infrastructure spending than any other. Any development along the A127 however would require huge sums of money to be spent on improving road, rail, schools, medical facilities, etc, all BEFORE any work could proceed on development of houses, commercial and retail property, etc. As all of this would remove even more of the limited protected greenbelt they already have in this area it proves that it is not a viable option.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4873
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Carol Williams
Healthcare, education, roads/transport. However, I am concerned that not enough will be spent on infrastructure to meet the needs of any new development. As it is, existing roads are not being adequately maintained and there have been cuts to health and education. Does not instil confidence.
Healthcare, education, roads/transport. However, I am concerned that not enough will be spent on infrastructure to meet the needs of any new development. As it is, existing roads are not being adequately maintained and there have been cuts to health and education. Does not instill confidence.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4880
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mrs Alison Johnson
Roads, Health care, Education.
Roads, Health care, Education.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4903
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mrs Laura Ngo
Education, transport and parking.
Note - providing a free bus ticket for a week doesn't mean a development's parking issues are resolved. EVERY property needs a parking space.
The government restriction on (especially primary) school places means this needs to be a high priority.
And transport links are important. I personally don't use the bus because there are too many companies so you can't connect journeys without additional expense. Parking in the town centre is also an issue.
Education, transport and parking.
Note - providing a free bus ticket for a week doesn't mean a development's parking issues are resolved. EVERY property needs a parking space.
The government restriction on (especially primary) school places means this needs to be a high priority.
And transport links are important. I personally don't use the bus because there are too many companies so you can't connect journeys without additional expense. Parking in the town centre is also an issue.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4911
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mrs Jennifer Crocker
1. Increased Healthcare. Most doctors surgeries are over subscribed.
2. Primary schools would have to increase to accomodate 5500 new houses.
3.Transport links from the north of the borough would need to be improved.
4. More community facilities would be needed.
1. Increased Healthcare. Most doctors surgeries are over subscribed.
2. Primary schools would have to increase to accomodate 5500 new houses.
3.Transport links from the north of the borough would need to be improved.
4. More community facilities would be needed.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4956
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Robin Kennedy
Car Parking: I can park free in many other Essex towns at weekends to shop; many people face crippling expense if using trains to commute, the charges are far too high. More Buses.
see attached.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4976
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Alan Shaw
Roads- easing bottleneck junctions.
see attached
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4984
Received: 18/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Terry Mander
Less traffic control barriers and more of improvements to roads. Speed is more controlled by frequent speed registering self charging signal ports than cameras. PS Emphasis:- speed cost more petrol/money.
See attachment.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5044
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr and Mrs Barry and Hazel Johnson
We do not believe that this extent of expansion of the Borough should go ahead without significant resources being spent on roads, parking, schools and policing. Furthermore, if Greenfield and Green Belt land are going to be used then consideration needs to be given to green spaces and the provisions of additional parks and recreational facilities as well as designated conservation areas.
see attached
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5063
Received: 19/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Christian Bills
Road maintenance
Bus services (specifically school services for villages)
Mobile phones / internet services in surrounding villages
See attached.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5112
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr & Mrs Phillips
A new town affecting no one, get the infrastructure right first time. This will save government money in the long run, rather than constantly propping up insufficient infrastructure which will never be adequate and a drain on public spending.
See attached.
Email: Please note I am not in favour of any development in West Horndon Village.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5136
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: PERI UK
Agent: JTS Partnership LLP
No comment
See attached
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5152
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Colin Foan
Given the scale of development proposed across the Borough it is essential that all necessary infrastructure (education, healthcare, transport, green space, community facilities etc.) receive appropriate funding. Failure to provide any one element of this infrastructure will have a materially negative impact on both existing residents, and those of the proposed new developments
see attached
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5204
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Richard Lunnon
Agent: JTS Partnership LLP
No comment
See attached
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5211
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Luke Giles
Given the scale of development proposed with the a127 corridor, whilst there
will be priorities, the development will require infrastructure spending across
all categories (education, healthcare, transport, green space, community,
facilities etc). Failure to provide any one element of this infrastructure will
have a materially negative impact on both existing residents, and the new
development. As such, whilst there may be priorities in areas where
development is expected to be lower/less significant, in areas expected to
see high levels of development, a holistic infrastructure plan needs to be
delivered to ensure the development is undertaken in a sustainable manner.
see attached
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5229
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Ursuline Sisters
Agent: JTS Partnership LLP
No comment
See attached
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5254
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: T. Holmes
Number of people: 2
That will totally depend on what proposals from this consultation are adopted but too often infrastructure improvements are too little too late. The area where I'm based just off the Boreham intersection of the A12 has seen massive retail, office and commercial development in the last few years but the A12 junction, despite being one of the busiest in the region, has seen minor widening on slip road, nothing more and none of the other roads have been improved at all.
see attached
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5265
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: David Hills
Medical care, Schools and road networks that do not destroy villages, wildlife, countryside ('green belt' ) and freedom from traffic noise.
see attached
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5306
Received: 09/02/2015
Respondent: J M Gillingham
I feel that the Growth Options need to come out of the conclusions from the infrastructure study (and other high level studies).
There are many opportunities for the council to be more pro-active in terms of infrastructure, the environment and restoring / maintaining a sense of community. e.g. sensible and safe cycle lanes, free parking and transport to local parks, maintenance of footpaths and public bridleways to encourage usage, support for local shops and post offices, encouragement for people to shop locally, for shops to sell local produce and subsidies for milkmen, paper deliveries to assist the elderly.
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.
Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 5326
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr James Hunt
Better main roads.
see attached