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Category: News

  • A Community Walk for Great Big Green Week

    Celebrating Nature Together: A Community Walk for Great Big Green Week.

    Last night, on Tuesday 10th June, over 100 residents from Hawkwell, Hockley, and Rochford came together to take part in a special community walk in celebration of The Great Big Green Week—the UK’s biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.

    Local residents enjoy the openness of green space

    The walk was a powerful reminder of what we value most: our green and open spaces, the sense of community, and the shared commitment to protect and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.Families, friends, local running groups, dog walkers and nature enthusiasts gathered in a display of unity, walking side by side through our beautiful countryside, taking time to pause, connect, and appreciate the simple joy of being outdoors.

    The uninterrupted views from the Saffron Trail, bordering the proposed development: Mount Bovers

    The route, chosen to highlight some of our most treasured green spaces, sparked conversations not just about wellbeing and wildlife—but about why preserving these areas for future generations matters more than ever.

    This event led by Judith Clark, was not just about enjoying a pleasant evening stroll—it was a celebration of our shared values, and a powerful symbol of what can happen when communities come together for a common purpose.

    Mount Bovers: The site of the proposed development of 350 homes

    Thank you to everyone who took part, and to all those who continue to champion our environment at a local level.

    As part of The Great Big Green Week, events like these show that every step counts—especially when we walk them together.

  • Hawkwell Parish Poll

    Hawkwell Parish Poll

    13th June, 4pm – 9pm

    Please see below information received from the District Council regarding the polling station locations.

    Residents should vote at their usual polling station and take their photo ID, as is the requirement for voting now.

    For any other information, it may best to direct questions to the RDC Elections Office, as it is their responsibility to organise and administer the Poll.

    FA EastAshingdon Elim Pentecostal Church, 535 Ashingdon Road, Ashingdon, SS4 3HE
    FC EastHawkwell Baptist Church – Desk A, Rectory Road, SS4 1UG
    FD EastParish Centre, St Teresa of the Child Jesus, SS4 IRF
    GA WestHawkwell Baptist Church – Desk B, Rectory Road, SS4 1UG
    GB WestVillage Hall – Desk A, Main Road, 5S5 4EH
    GB WestVillage Hall – Desk B, Main Road, SS5 4EH

  • Undermining Strategic Commitments to the Upper Roach Valley

    I recently read about concerns over the District’s housing targets in a newsletter from Rochford District Conservatives Group and how they would like to see Rochford District’s Councillors “put up a fight for our locals”.

    Having recently emailed all District Councillors regarding my concerns over the proposed development at Mount Bovers, I received very little response from Conservative Councillors and therefore cannot help but feel much of the sentiment in the newsletter is disingenuous.

    The new Conservative Council leader, Cllr Danielle Belton, now has the opportunity to defend the Council’s policies and uphold the designation awarded to the Upper Roach Valley, backed-up with evidence from the Rochford District Council & Southend Borough Council Landscape Character, Sensitivity & Capacity Study (2020).

    Protecting Our Green Lung: Core Strategy Policies

    Numerous sites are being proposed for development — the vast majority of which lay outside the Upper Roach Valley.

    To my mind it’s quite simple; defend the URV1 and ELA3 policies — the Council’s Core Strategy — which commit to protecting and enhancing the Upper Roach Valley as a vital “green lung.” 

    These policies were adopted as essential pillars of sustainable development — not optional extras. Their aim was not only to safeguard ancient woodlands and landscape but to improve access for the whole community through a connected network of footpaths, bridleways, cycle routes, and wildlife corridors. 

    A Valued Community Asset

    This Council’s “Vision statement” for the Spatial Options consultation said: In 2050, Hockley and Hawkwell should be the District’s gateway to the green lung of the Upper Roach Valley, making the most of its access to ancient woodland and a network of nature reserves. 

    Yet, the current consideration of development at Mount Bovers directly undermines this stated vision. This isn’t just used by local residents — the area supports walking groups, runners, horse riders, and long-distance trail users, including along the well-known Saffron Trail. It’s a valued community asset in constant use.

    Yet now, with no up-to-date Local Plan and housing targets nearly doubling, development is being actively considered in this very area.

    The Peril of Precedent

    As stated in my email to Councillors:
    if the Upper Roach Valley boundary were to be compromised in favour of urban development this would not only establish a precedent this would send a clear signal that the Upper Roach Valley boundary has no strategic importance or value to Rochford District Council and the remainder would become vulnerable to the same treatment.

    AI-generated impression of housing development

    There appears to be no point of long-standing environmental and community protections if they can be abandoned the moment external pressures mount. 

    Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Save Mount Bovers Community Group

    Our Group was formed in response to the proposed development of 350 homes by Taylor Wimpey on land between Mount Bovers Lane and Gusted Hall Lane.

    The proposed site’s natural open space and recognised sensitive character forms a vital part of our community’s well-being and is under threat from inappropriate and unsustainable development.

    Beyond the further destruction of our Green Belt, Hockley, Hawkwell, and Rochford simply cannot withstand more urban development without adequate infrastructure.

    Think fewer open spaces, increased traffic, oversubscribed schools, and even longer medical waiting times.

    Have your say
    Taylor Wimpey’s Planning Application is imminent. Please help protect our community by making your opinion heard.

    Neighbourhood Plan
    The Save Mount Bovers Community Group from Hawkwell Essex, made a strong and coordinated appearance at both the Hawkwell and separately the Hockley Annual Parishioners’ Meetings, held as part of the yearly opportunity for residents to raise questions and concerns with their respective Parish Councils.

    Residents turned out in significant numbers to show their support for a Neighbourhood Plan – an important tool to influence future development in the area — resulting in a formal proposal for a Parish Poll, a democratic right under Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972.

    Hawkwell Parish Council Poll
    The date for Hawkwell Parish Council Poll has since been announced to take effect Friday 13th June 2025.

    Hockley Parish Council date has yet to be confirmed.

    Emergency meeting:
    Rochford District Council (RDC) has an Emergency meeting being held on the 11th June 2025 under the Planning Policy framework where they will be sharing a Draft Local Plan detailing how and where housing can be built over the next 15-20 years.

    Shape the future of our community
    The Save Mount Bovers Group continues to advocate for sustainable planning and increased public involvement in local decision-making, having continued dialogue with local MPs, Councillors and planning officers.

    Forthcoming events

    • 10k race commences at Gusted Hall Lane 1st June
    • Community Walk as part of Great Big Green Week On 10th June 6:30pm. Meeting at the junction of Main Road Hawkwell (B1013) and Mount Bovers Lane.

    Support our Community Group
    Help shape your community for future generations. You can find out more by contacting us

  • Community Spirit in Action – Hawkwell Parish Poll

    Today we witnessed a wonderful display of community spirit, as local residents gave their valuable time to raise awareness about the upcoming Parish Poll, being held by Hawkwell Parish Council at the request of residents calling for a Neighbourhood Plan to be implemented.

    This is true grassroots democracy in motion – people coming together to shape the future of their community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped spread the word, had conversations, handed out leaflets, and stood up for local voices.

  • Hawkwell Residents Community Announcement

    Following a recent Parish Meeting attended by a large gathering of Hawkwell residents a vote was taken to force the local council to hold a “Parish Poll”

    As residents, the forthcoming Poll gives us  ALL the opportunity to say YES to the creation a Neighbourhood Plan which will help form the basis of  future plans for our local community and carries statutory weight as part of consultations on future housing developments such as the 350 houses proposed by Taylor Wimpey, to be sited on our beautiful greenbelt between Mount Bovers Lane & Gusted Hall Lane in Hawkwell

    This is not a political vote it is a Yes/No vote 

    “Do the you support the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan in Hawkwell Parish to help protect the village from unsustainable housing developments”

    We have tremendous support so far but need all the help we can get in opposing these plans to destroy our greenbelt, ruin our wildlife, landscape and heritage

    Every vote counts and your support as part of the community is vital in helping protect our village 

    Please, if you can, attend the polling station between:
    4pm & 9pm on 13th June and vote YES

    There is a wealth of preliminary work being undertaken ahead of this to fend of this potentially disastrous blot on our beautiful landscape – We are not denying the need for housing but we are fighting for housing to be located appropriately and not on our greenbelt in an area already clogged with too much traffic, local schools already oversubscribed and public services stretched to breaking point

    PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN AND SHOW WHAT AN AMAZING LOCAL COMMUNITY WE HAVE

  • Community Walk and Talk

    Community Walk and Talk

    Standing Together for Mount Bovers.

    Today’s community Walk and Talk took us through the beautiful green space of Mount Bovers — a vital green lung used regularly by local walking groups, families, and nature lovers. This isn’t just land; it’s part of our community’s wellbeing and identity. Development here would be a loss we can’t afford.

    Let’s protect this space for future generations.

    Judith will be organising another walk around The Saffron Walk on 10th June- all welcome to join us.

  • Threat to Nesting Birds

    Threat to Nesting Birds

    An absolute travesty is unfolding on Mount Bovers Field.

    A tractor was seen mowing down vegetation in an area known to be home to nesting Skylarks — a protected and declining species.

    The destruction of this precious habitat during breeding season is not only deeply upsetting, but potentially unlawful.

  • Solidarity and Determination

  • Public Consultation Event

    Public Consultation Event

    Today, Taylor Wimpey (TW) held a public consultation event regarding their proposed development at Mount Bovers Lane, Hawkwell. This site, located within Rochford District Council’s designated ‘Green Lung’ area, is Green Belt land currently protected under the Council’s Core Strategy Plan. As such, the proposal has generated significant local interest and concern.

    The consultation was structured around several display boards that outlined Taylor Wimpey’s vision for the development. However, it was noted by many attendees that the TW representatives present were difficult to identify, as they wore no badges or lanyards, making it unclear who members of the public should approach for information or to ask questions.

    Another point of concern arose when consultation feedback forms ran out by approximately 3:45 PM, despite the meeting being scheduled to run until 7:00 PM. Fortunately, additional forms were sourced and made available again by 4:45 PM.