‘We must stop more homes in Rochford’

The petition, set up by the Rayleigh Residents Association, outlines issues about traffic problems already in Rochford, and calls for future housing development to be stopped, unless there is significant investment in infrastructure and public services.

Residents have increasingly raised concerns with roadworks by the Anne Boleyn pub, and on Hall Road, causing headaches for drivers and commuters at the moment.

The petition, currently sits at 1,260 signatures, states: “Residents of Rochford have endured issues with traffic for years but this has been made dramatically worse by the county council allowing road improvements for large developments to start simultaneously. This has not only affected everyone’s commute into and out of the district but the traffic affects the health of residents too.

“We request all future housing developments put on hold until there is sufficient investment made in the infrastructure of the district. There has to be a cap on new development.”

A spokesman for Rochford Council stated: “We have a Local Plan in place, which sets the overall strategy for the future of the district until 2025 and addresses key factors including infrastructure.”

Melanie English, the founder of another petition opposing a 660 home development in Rochford, which has 1,830 signatures, told the Echo all developments need to be looked at more closely.

She said: “Roadworks and developments are not looked at from the residents point of view. We need more housing, but please think about the people who already live here.

“We’re suffocating. There needs to be real investment in terms of fixing the roads and public services.”

An Essex Highways spokesman apologised for the ongoing works Anne Boleyn pub, and on Hall Road, added: “We apologise for any inconvenience while we carry out these essential works.

“The works involve improving the footways which have developed significant defects.”