Plans to build 350 new homes on green belt land in Hawkwell have sparked a wave of concerns from local residents and councillors, with many fearing the loss of treasured countryside and the transformation of Rochford into “a mini city”.
Developer Taylor Wimpey has outlined proposals for a major development on around 23 hectares of open land between Mount Bovers Lane and Gustedhall Road. The developer says the scheme will offer a mix of high-quality homes, half of which it claims will be ‘affordable housing’, along with new green spaces and a facility for children with special educational needs, built in partnership with the Zenith Multi Academy Trust.
A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said:
“It is important that we listen to the views of the local community while preparing our proposal.”
However, those views are already ringing loud and clear, with deep concerns over the loss of countryside, increased traffic congestion, and damage to local wildlife habitats.
Lisa Ronan, a Hockley resident, said:
“It’s utterly breathtaking to destroy such a beautiful setting. I only moved to Hockley recently purely for areas such as this. I have been in awe of the spectacularly beautiful spaces now on my doorstep and don’t want that to change.”
Sue Condon added:
“It’s an absolute travesty destroying what little countryside we have left. No way this should ever be allowed.”
The proposed site lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt and is considered valued for its sensitive landscape, ecological importance, and informal recreational use. Early planning documents confirm that wildlife such as badgers, hedgehogs, dormice and birds are known to forage in the area. Although Taylor Wimpey says it will take “precautionary safeguards” to “mitigate potential risk” to local species, campaigners remain unconvinced.
The plans would see homes up to three storeys high clustered in higher density areas near the existing urban edge to the northeast of the site, with primary vehicular access points proposed off the B1013, including opposite Highwell Gardens. Pedestrian links are also planned, including the reinstatement of a historic route between Gusted Hall Lane and Mount Bovers Lane.
Yet concerns about the impact on already stretched infrastructure are growing. Lisa Martin, another local resident, said:
“How can this even be considered, when the roads in Hockley are constantly gridlocked?”
Sarah George was even more sceptical, saying:
“It doesn’t seem to matter what we say. They’ll still get approval for building.”
The development site is situated around 1.5km south of Hockley town centre and is currently an unspoilt area of open fields, bound by Mount Bovers Lane to the north, the B1013 to the east and Gusted Hall Lane to the south.
Public information meeting unsuitable for people with mobility issues
Meanwhile, the handling of the public consultation event has further fuelled frustration. Taylor Wimpey’s planned information session, scheduled for Monday 28th April from 3pm to 7pm at Belchamps Scout Activity Centre, has been criticised for being held at a second-floor venue with no lift, effectively excluding residents with mobility issues.
Councillor Julie Gooding, who represents Hawkwell West, said:
“Some residents will not be able to attend the meeting due to the two flights of stairs at Belchamps on Monday.”
John Paul, a Hawkwell resident, slammed the choice of venue:
“The location chosen by Taylor Wimpey should be accessible to all. If their preferred venue was not available, they should have rescheduled to when it was. This is discrimination. Everyone should be able to attend, see the plans, and express their views.”
Taylor Wimpey responded with an apology, claiming that they had reviewed all local venues that could accommodate a large group and saying they were forced to use Belchamps due to availability issues. They also confirmed that all consultation materials will be available online from 28th April for anyone unable to attend.
Despite the promise of green spaces and community facilities, residents remain fiercely opposed. Many are coordinating a response involving national organisations like the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the National Trust, determined to fight for the preservation of one of the area’s last stretches of open green land.
Taylor Wimpey is expected to submit its formal application to Rochford District Council in May. The consultation period will run until 11th May.
As the battle lines are drawn, the people of Hawkwell are making one thing clear — they will not give up their countryside without a fight.