BASE HEADER

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ID sylw: 106332

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Megan Showell

I am writing to formally object to the proposed SG24 development work around Hockley Heath as a lifelong resident in the area.

I grew up in Hockley Heath, and can attest to the fact that our green spaces are a crucial necessity to the village. I spent much of my time in these areas, and it would be an environmental, social, and historical tragedy to see them taken away.

In the midst of a catastrophic climate crisis, eliminating natural spaces and evicting local wildlife to make room for more environmentally destructive emissions is irresponsible on a national scale, and catastrophic to the animals who have lived here for generations. These proposals notably impose on the green belt in the area, a system put in place to protect these spaces and animals against developments such as this. It would also put undue pressure on an already struggling waste management system, and overcrowd our already limited local amenities and struggling transport links.

I understand the need for housing in this country, but when nearly 700,000 homes sit empty, and already developed areas have room, it is wrong to overpopulate the quickly dwindling number of small villages in the area. As an autistic person, quiet villages like Hockley Heath surrounded by green space are important to mental wellbeing and development, and have been chosen intentionally by it’s residents for this very reason, the proposed plans would eliminate this safe space.

My most specific objections are to site 154 & site 178, areas I grew up walking, that began my passion for photography, and that remain my safe places at home. These are my most crucial spaces, but I know people from all corners of the village with the same necessity for their closest respective sites. I would also point out that Hockley Heath is often a place for lifelong settlement, hence we have and will always have many older residents. These proposed developments would render remaining natural spaces inaccessible to those in the centre of the village who may have limited mobility, spaces they chose when buying their homes.

I vehemently oppose the proposed development SG24 on the grounds of environmental detriment and resident safety/wellbeing. This is due to both the duration and scale of the building work itself, and the resulting change to the village and natural spaces.