Browsing: Local Issues

Campaigners have revealed what they describe as a new “secret plan” for development on the Salvation Army Farmland, with claims of 900 homes, a new roundabout on the A13 and major concerns over the future of this Green Belt land. A fresh petition has now been launched urging residents to oppose any building on the site.

A campaign to protect Southend’s Green Belt continues to gather momentum, with growing public support, major housing concerns, and debate over future development plans. Councillor James Moyies outlines the risks, challenges, and what residents can do ahead of local elections.

Concerns have been raised over proposals that could see Southchurch Library close and services moved elsewhere. Questions have been asked about repair costs, council priorities, and whether maintaining existing buildings would be a better option than replacing them.

At a Glance Since the first Water Quality Summit in April 2022, the conversation around Southend’s waterways has broadened significantly.…

At a Glance It has been several years since I last wrote for Oracle, and in that time our shoreline…

At a Glance Dirty Business and the Reality of Britain’s Water Crisis! We watched The Channel 4 docudrama “Dirty Business”…

Residents in Leigh and Hadleigh continue their determined fight to protect Greenbelt land, urging the Salvation Army to rule out development on the historic Hadleigh Farmland and calling for a clear public decision that reflects strong local opposition.

Concerns have been raised over Southend Council’s Councillor Declaration of Interest procedures, with claims that missing and incomplete forms undermine transparency compared to neighbouring councils. The article questions whether weaker safeguards leave the authority exposed to conflicts of interest and calls for stronger accountability measures.

A decade-long delay has left Rochford District exposed, with residents now being asked to judge a Local Plan without vital evidence and with long-term consequences for communities and the Green Belt.

Concerns are growing across Rochford District as residents react to the scale of proposed housing developments that could see large areas of Green Belt released for construction. With missing evidence and mounting pressure from government, communities are calling for transparency and a balanced, evidence-based approach to planning.