Greenbelt Building Plans

CAMPAIGNERS are stepping up efforts to save beloved farm fields farmland after the Salvation Army confirmed its intent for homes to be built on the greenbelt land. 

 Castle Point Borough Council’s Local Plan consultation sparked major concerns after a swathe of Salvation Army Land, next to Hadleigh Country park, was included in a list of potential sites for home building.

 Now, the Salvation Army has written to residents in the area confirming it has put forward the site with the aim of creating “much needed additional housing, including affordable homes” as well as “new and improved” community spaces.

 Over 40 residents joined forces on farmland to voice their opposition to this plan.

 Chief amongst their concerns is that the homes will destroy the historic open space, cause havoc on the roads, and ruin the estuary views.

 The site of Hadleigh Farm was formally acquired by The Salvation Army on 2 May 1891, and represents a large area of greenbelt field land.

 It was the first land that William Booth acquired to for his “Hadleigh Land & Industrial Colony,” comprising a working farm, market gardens, dairy and Citadel, all of which prided employment for the destitute of the East End.

 Its historical significance contributes to its importance as an area of rich social significance.

 The Salvation Army, however, insist that building on the land brought “significant benefits.”

 In a letter to residents, the Salvation Army reportedly stated: “Space for much-needed additional housing for local people, including affordable homes.

 “Increased training opportunities for people opportunities for people with vulnerabilities. Redeveloping the training centre to improve accessibility. New and improved community spaces including youth facilities. Repurposing non-viable farmland into sanctuaries for local biodiversity and new wildlife habitats.”

 A spokesman from The Salvation Army added: “We took the decision to write to residents in Hadleigh as we were aware of a lot of misinformation being circulated about the land, we submitted to Castle Point Borough Council as part of the emerging Local Plan process.

 “Our letter made clear that there are no plans to provide new homes on land owned by the Salvation Army. While the proposals include the potential for some residential development and community infrastructure the majority of the land would remain as open green spaces.

 “Residents are rightly protective about such an important area of natural biodiversity, public spaces and natural beauty, and we’re committed to ensure the land is used and developed in the best interests of the whole community.”

 Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has added her voice to the chorus of disapproval, saying she is “completely opposed” after the Salvation Army confirmed its intentions, and underlining that she feels the charity do not understand the special link residents have to the site.

 She urged residents to respond to Castle Point Council’s consultation, by the deadline next month.

 She said: “I am completely opposed to these plans. This would be completely wrong for Hadleigh. The Salvation army have clearly been working on this for months without telling anyone except the borough council.

 “Its farmland, its green belt, and it part of historic landscape integral to the character of the town.”

 She added: “I get the impression that consultants advising the Salvation army Head office to push the site for development have no idea how much damage it could do to the very special relationship the Salvation Army has had with the people of Hadleigh.”

Picture: Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris: “completely opposed” to the plans.

Read more.

Leigh On Sea News.

Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news

Contact us. Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news

Twitter: @leighonsea_news

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news