Hadleigh residents fight Salvation Army proposed development

Castle Point Council’s local plan consultation sparked major concern in the community last month when a huge swathe of land owned by the Salvation Army, next to Hadleigh Country Park, was included in a list of potential sites. 

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

Now, the Salvation Army has written to residents in the area confirming it put forward the site with the aim of creating “much needed additional housing, including affordable homes”, as well “new and improved” community spaces. 

Roughly 40 residents gathered on the farmland yesterday in a show of opposition, raising major concerns that homes will destroy the open space, beloved views, and create havoc on the town’s roads. 

Ron Morgan, 72, said: “There is no infrastructure now, it is already bad enough. The roads can’t cope.

Anger - Ron Morgan, 72, with Sue Burr (Image: Newsquest)

“The value of all the houses will drop as the view has gone, residents paid for this view.

“There is listed animals as well, mice and bats, which should be protected, and the legacy of the country park from the Olympics.

“I can’t actually believe it. They could build thousands. It is crazy. I never expected it on our doorstep, let alone from The Salvation Army.”

This site is the original home of the Salvation Army Colony created by William Booth, with his social campaign in 1891, when he bought the 900-acre site.

Historic - Part of the farmland in Hadleigh (Image: Newsquest)

The farmland was transformed into the “Hadleigh Land & Industrial Colony”, comprising a working farm, brickworks, market gardens, dairy, and Citadel.

Ian Cotgrove said: “We recognise the need for housing, but building green belt cannot be a solution.

“It is a highly valued part of land, that people walk past, stop, and admire.

Frustration - Ian Cotgrove (Image: Newsquest)

“We have an environmental crisis. This will also impact on the bats that will have adverse effects.”

Martin England, 60, added: “This should absolutely be opposed.

“It is even more important now that every Hadleigh resident responds to the consultation and makes sure the council are left under no doubt that we will not accept development on this beautiful farmland, right up to Hadleigh Castle, with the stunning estuary views.

“The development will seriously damage the reputation of the Salvation Army, and William Booth, the first General of the Salvation Army, would be turning in his grave.”

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.”