Salvation Army Hadleigh proposal leaves MP furious

Rebecca Harris, Tory MP for Castle Point, has spoken out to reveal she is “completely opposed” after the Salvation Army wrote to residents confirming it had put forward the land for the local plan. 

After residents came together in a huge show of unity yesterday morning at the site, Ms Harris told the Echo homes would overload roads and impact the town’s “beautiful landscape”. 

Rebecca Harris, Tory MP for Castle Point (Image: Rebecca Harris)

She urged residents to ensure they respond to Castle Point Councils consultation on proposed sites by the deadline next month. 

“I am completely opposed to these plans. This would be completely wrong for Hadleigh. The Salvation Army have clearly been working on this for months without telling anyone except the borough council,” she said. 

“It’s farmland, it’s green belt, and it’s part of a beautiful historic landscape integral to the character of the town and made famous by Constable’s painting of the castle. This development would also severely overload local roads and put unacceptable strain on the A13 at peak times.

Concern - Proposed development area on the letter (Image: Newsquest)

“The local members of the Salvation Army I have spoken to were shocked at these plans and oppose them. They say they feel betrayed.

"I get the impression that the consultants advising the Salvation Army Head Office to push this site for development have no idea just how much damage it could do to the very special relationship the Salvation Army has had with the people of Hadleigh.”

The Salvation Army has claimed it has proposed parcels of farmland in Hadleigh for development “in the best interests of the entire community”.

Campaign - Hadleigh residents unite against the proposal (Image: Newsquest)

Mark Sandford, 52, who has lived in the area for more than two decades, also highlighted the struggling infrastructure and added: “It is a historic site that shouldn’t be disrupted.

“Why would you create a legacy over there, and then build all around it. It should be left.”

Lee Ware, 64, added: “When there is any event in the country park, Chapel Lane and the area, is packed as it is.

“With the extra traffic and parking, means it makes it even harder for emergency services. They won’t be able to get access.

“It is only one way in this area. Emergency services need access with the mountain bike course, the risk of grass fires, and for residents generally.

“We don’t have the infrastructure either, there is not enough doctors, schools, or dentists. We cannot cope.”

In response to the concerns, a spokesperson from The Salvation Army said: “We took the decision to write to residents in Hadleigh as we were aware of a lot of misinformation being circulated about the land we submitted to Castle Point Borough Council as part of the emerging Local Plan process.

“Our letter made clear that there are no plans to provide 2,500 new homes on land owned by The Salvation Army. While proposals include the potential for some residential development and community infrastructure, the majority of the land would remain as open green spaces.

“We are seeking a land allocation for some development to enhance and improve our current operations, for example, to relocate the Training Centre and Rare Breeds Centre adjacent to the Olympic Park, and to create a Centre of Excellence for training adults with additional support needs.

“Our proposals could bring significant benefits including increased training opportunities for people with vulnerabilities,  community spaces like youth facilities but also space for much needed additional housing for local people, including affordable homes.

“Residents are rightly protective about such an important area of natural beauty, public spaces and biodiversity and we are committed to working collaboratively to ensure the land is used and developed in the best interests of the whole community.

“We urge people to visit www.hadleighfarmestate.co.uk to see more information about what our proposals entail but also the local benefit they could bring.  Residents can also email engagement@hadleighfarmestate.co.uk. with their questions and concerns.”