Opinion: Communication with Heybridge community on Westcombe Park development needs to improve
By Charlotte Lillywhite
27th Jan 2022 | Local News
The following is an open letter from Heybridge residents regarding the Westcombe Park Development – formerly known as the Heybridge Garden Suburb.
To Maldon District Council (MDC), councillors, planning and policymakers
We write as a community in Heybridge conveying our collective concerns. To achieve clarification on the issues listed below.
Point of contact DevComms do not speak for us.
OUR QUESTIONS
COMMUNITY LIAISON PANEL We request that the community liaison panel as promised on Maldon District Council's website is set up immediately. Quote from Countryside Properties' website: "...Westcombe Park is an exciting new garden village." Quote from MDC website: "The panels will receive regular updates and provide a sounding board for emerging proposals providing a strategic direction and ensure community interests are represented at each stage of project completion." Quote from Rosie Pearson, planning campaigner: "Community engagement is encouraged and expected in the National Planning Policy Framework, and leads to better outcomes for all. I hope that the council will heed the community's call for answers and will also set up the liaison group they have been promised." COMMUNICATION NEEDS TO IMPROVETraffic and wildlife
Impact of the relief roadTraffic flow
- What projected increase in traffic flow is expected for Broad Street Green?
- How/when will this be monitored?
- What plans will keep traffic flowing through the village during the development?
- How will you mitigate daily traffic flow problems?
- What wildlife mitigation is planned during and post relief road construction?
- Deer crossing, reduce speed deer, fox and badger crossing - signage.
- Crossing tunnels for amphibian spring migration, badgers, hedgehogs et al.
HABITAT AND GREEN SPACES
Green gaps- Why is there no green gap giving distinction between the settlements of Heybridge, Great Totham and Westcombe Park? Heybridge is losing its identity.
- Will MDC renegotiate Phase 5, thereby retaining decades of landscape?
- Who will decide if the development achieves 10 per cent biodiversity net gain according to requirements implemented by the Environment Bill 2019?
- What greening will be afforded to the existing PROW?
- Why was habitat excavation agreed to during nesting season - April to September 2021?
- Will the issue of Holloway Road and surrounding area surface water flooding be rectified?
- Does MDC accept climate change increases flooding issues in Heybridge?
- What does MDC propose to mitigate effects of climate change surface water flooding?
- Has a Westcombe Park Development surface water alleviation plan been accepted by MDC?
PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROVISION
School travel and public transport According to the Westcombe Park Development plan, no extra provision for public transport is planned. Only extension to an existing route. Cycle routes- There appears to be no cycle routes planned. A subject referred to in detail in a 2021 town plan consultation.
- What proposals does MDC plan, considering their 'Taking climate action for our future home and generations - Maldon District Council's Climate Action Strategy 2021-2030'?
- Will MDC commit to encouraging improvement of public transport provision and safe and accessible cycle routes?
- What provision for accessible footpaths is written into the plan?
- Are we resigned to another car-dependent Essex development?
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Lack of medical provision Maldon's medical practices are stretched. The plan omits a medical building. There is desperate need. Quote from DevComms, January 6, 2022: "As part of ... Westcombe Park, a new neighbourhood centre will be built ... providing space to accommodate a new medical centre should it be required. Countryside will provide the space ... it is for the local Clinical Commission Group (CCG's) to determine need and delivery…" Dental practice There is one dental practice in Heybridge, only accessible by STAIRS. Public library Nearest public libraries are in Maldon town or Wickham Bishops. Heybridge is served by mobile library services for 30 minutes every three weeks! What special needs provisions are being considered? COMMUNICATION WITH HEYBRIDGE COMMUNITY NEEDS TO IMPROVE. Responses will be shared with the community. Signed,Concerned Heybridge & Local Community
*Condensed version of original open letter
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