I, together with a number of other Rayleigh District Council Councillors “attended” the virtual meeting of Rochford District Council’s Development Committee on Thursday, when the redevelopment of the old Dairy Crest Site in Rayleigh was debated.

Despite my concerns of the possible overlooking and over shadowing of some adjacent properties and the probable detrimental affect on traffic flows for the High Street and Eastwood Road the Application was passed by 8 votes to 7.

The development involves the demolition of the existing buildings and the provision of two commercial units and twenty four residential apartments with associated landscaping.

The decision was close and despite my concerns something has to be done with the site; it cannot be left as it is.

Cllr. Robin Dray – Member for Wheatley Ward and Chairman of Rochford District Council.