The village residents are coming together to fight the new planning application for the green belt land at the back and side of Guardian Avenue, Harrington Crescent and Elvin Drive. It will significantly impact all homes and residents in the village - this new development threatens over 90 new 1-4 bed houses which means at least 200 more cars, and a huge care home with thousands of visitors (all will need parking and there will likely be deliveries arriving at all hours).

The threat to the existing wildlife on the site is of massive concern as the environmental impact will negatively affect so many species reintroduced to the area over the last 20 years —moths, rabbits, bats and many others.

There are no school places with local schools over subscribed, no doctor spaces and we already have thousands of people per day using our high road as a rat run through to Ockendon from the A13. The current proposals feature a link road to Pilgrims Lane which will only mean more traffic and more cut throughs.

The residents have not been properly consulted or engaged with in this process at all.

We would like to secure some legal support from solicitors Kingsley Smith LLP - they have plenty of experience in planning objections and green belt land matters and this fund will cover the costs of instructing them to submit a formal professional objection on behalf of the residents of our village collectively to the council. It will also assist with responding to the planning officer's report. This funding is needed now (solicitors need it upfront) as the first planning meeting may be in September. Rene who is leading the Action Group will be the main contact point with the solicitors and will send regular communication out to residents.

NB: This is likely for only the initial stages only i.e. legal support for objections going to the Planning Committee for consideration.

NB: Subsequent proposals may require further funding - residents will be consulted.

See the website for more information: https://nsvactiongroup.co.uk or click here: North Stifford Action Group Website.