Our mission
Strive to protect our designated special landscape and preserve the character of our community.
About us
We are a dedicated community group united in our strong objection to Taylor Wimpey’s proposed development of up to 350 homes at Mount Bovers, within the Upper Roach Valley.
The proposed site’s natural open space and recognised sensitive character forms a vital part of the community’s well-being. This development would not only remove a much loved recreational open space used by the community, but threatens the essence of what our valley was designated to do – protect it from development.
Natural England Study 2023:
State of Nature
Improve the quality of our protected sites on land and at sea; and create more, bigger and messier places for wildlife.
“green links criss-crossing the valley“
The Upper Roach Valley provides invaluable space for informal recreation. Local residents enjoy the valley daily, including a well-used footpath through the proposed development site leading to a scenic viewpoint on the historic Saffron Trail. This route, along with other footpaths and bridleways, offers picturesque walks for all abilities.
Rochford District Council Core Strategy
“…a vast ‘green lung’ within the District”
Our beautiful valley, home to seven ancient woodlands including Hockley Woods (Site of Special Scientific Interest), is under threat from urban sprawl that directly contravenes Rochford District Council’s own Ecological and Landscape Allocations Policy (ELA3).
“The Core Strategy states that the Upper Roach Valley will be protected from development which would undermine the area’s role as a green space providing informal recreational opportunities.”
A threat to our Green Lung
The proposed development on land south of Mount Bovers Lane would irrevocably damage this special landscape character, replacing open fields with urban form.
The Upper Roach Valley boundary checks urban sprawl and is an important green buffer separating Hockley, Rochford, Rayleigh and Southend. Were this to be breached the harm to the Green Belt significantly outweigh the benefits of the development scheme.
We understand there is a need for housing, but this need should not be met at the expense of our valuable natural and historical environment… Our Green Lung.
Save our Green Lung
We are committed to safeguarding this essential green lung, which has successfully prevented the coalescence of Hockley, Rochford, and Rayleigh, and to protecting its invaluable biodiversity.
Join us in supporting to protect the unique beauty and ecological significance of the Upper Roach Valley for generations to come.