Over many decades the Salvation Army have been trying to obtain planning permission to build on this land with limited success. They offered up the farmland for development to Castle Point Borough Council (CPBC) once more under the latest Local Plan.
The Council were required to include it in their Issues and Offers Consultation which it briefed to communities in Castle Point. A strong reaction against this development led to the Save Hadleigh Farm Group (SHFG) based in Hadleigh and the Leigh and West Southend Hadleigh Farm Group (LWSG) being formed. The consultation was closed in September 2024.
Unwavering Opposition
Local MPs David Burton Sampson, Rebecca Harris and former MP Anna Firth have publicly declared their opposition. Leigh Town Council discussed the issue and voted unanimously against the development of the land, following this up with a stiff opposition letter written to CPBC.
The SHFG started an online petition with a total of over 8,500 signatures which has been handed in to CPBC by the Group. However, Southend City Council (SCC) would not accept this type of petition. This meant that the LWSG needed to arrange mainly door to door collection of signatures.
Overall nearly 900 signatures of opposition were collected which were handed in to Southend City Council at their December 2024 meeting where the issue of building on this precious Greenbelt Land was discussed and unanimously opposed. SCC also wrote a letter to Castle Point opposing the proposed development.
Development Still at Risk
At a CPBC meeting the issue of building on Greenbelt Land was discussed and again declared unanimously against any development. However, there is still a risk of approval due to the Council being under severe pressure to build up to 14,020 homes.
Both the LSWG and the SHFG would like to thank all Town, Borough and City Councillors and our local MPs for their support. Members of all the local political parties are opposed to this proposal.
Supports of Local Groups
Southend City Councillor Stuart Allen has voiced strong support for the ‘Leigh and West Southend and Save Hadleigh Farm’ Groups following a recent meeting with its representatives and shares their concerns regarding proposed development on the Greenbelt land at Hadleigh Farm.
Below is a statement by Stuart Allen.
“The Salvation Army has submitted parts of Hadleigh Farm for potential inclusion in the Castle Point Local Plan, a move strongly opposed by the local Green Party in Southend. Building on our green spaces must not be allowed.
These areas are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, which we have a responsibility to protect. The proposed development would likely result in premium executive housing, failing to address the genuine housing needs of the community. Instead, we should prioritise development on brownfield sites, particularly those with access to public transport infrastructure.Developing in sensitive locations like Hadleigh Farm would unnecessarily remove mature trees, harm nature, increase traffic congestion, worsen pollution, and negatively impact the wellbeing of local residents in Hadleigh and Leigh”.
“There are approximately one million empty homes and another million with planning permission that remain unbuilt. Addressing these issues first would go a long way toward meeting our housing needs without sacrificing valuable green spaces”.
Allen Criticises Government Stance
Councillor Allen also expressed grave concern over recent statements from the Government about streamlining the planning process and re-classing Greenbelt to Greybelt. He warned that such rhetoric could marginalise valid concerns about sites like Hadleigh Farm.
It is obvious from a financial standpoint why the Salvation Army wish to build on Hadleigh Farm. However to treat the local communities with such disdain, especially after those same communities have welcomed them and supported their cause for over 100 years, is beyond belief for a Christian organisation.
The next stage of the Castle Point Local Plan is expected to be published later this year, when residents will learn whether Hadleigh Farm will be earmarked for future development.
If the housing scheme is rejected by Castle Point Borough Council, the Salvation Army, or their agents, can appeal directly to Central Government. Therefore it is essential to make your opinion known.
Share Your Viewpoint…
If you wish to express your viewpoint in respect of this proposal could you please write to the Salvation Army as soon as possible at:
The Salvation Army,
Hadleigh Farm Engagement,
148 London Rd,
Hadleigh,
Benfleet SS7 2PN
or you can email them at:
engagement@hadleighfarmestate.co.uk.
by Keith Murray
on behalf of the Leigh and Southend residents against development of Hadleigh Farm.