HUNDREDS of bright boards and posters have been put up outside homes across Hadleigh and Leigh as residents fight to protect farmland from development.

Worried residents have rallied in huge numbers since it was revealed the Salvation Army put forward a huge swathe of farmland for development in Castle Point’s draft local plan. 

If plans progress the land, sitting on the edge of Hadleigh and Leigh, could become hundreds of homes - which residents fear will have a huge impact on roads, doctors and school places. 

More than 7,000 people have signed a petition while hundreds of homes in Hadleigh and parts of Leigh are now displaying bright red posters stating ‘Say No! Save Hadleigh Farmland’.  

Campaign - Hadleigh resident Pat Slaymaker with her boardCampaign - Hadleigh resident Pat Slaymaker with her board (Image: Newsquest)


Pat Slaymaker, who has posters and boards outside her home, said: “I’ proud to display a board to Save Hadleigh Farmland, living close to the field, everyone loves the fields of wheat, the wildlife needs protecting, this is the wrong site for development, and we cannot destroy our farmland.

“This area is surrounded by the rare breeds centre, Hadleigh Country Park and Hadleigh Castle, a heritage site, and it is a buffer zone between urban areas and the countryside. Our campaign has now become very visible, showing the solidarity between residents of both boroughs, all coming together with this campaign.

“Many businesses have posters in their windows and are helping us with the petition. Their support has been amazing, and it shows a community coming together.” 

Fight - Hundreds of boards and posters are across Hadleigh and LeighFight - Hundreds of boards and posters are across Hadleigh and Leigh (Image: Newsquest)


Major concerns were also raised this week after plans were unveiled to build 850 homes on Jotmans Farm, in Benfleet, close to Canvey Way after it was included in the draft plan. 

Martin England added: “We intend to hand the petition over to the council very soon. We want this site removed from the local plan and the Salvation Army to withdraw the site from any development plans.

“The Salvation Army, and their volunteers, have been an amazing part of the Hadleigh community for over 130 years, and we want that history and legacy to remain. 

“We have just seen another speculative development application for 850 houses  and we also have Basildon Council using the ludicrous Labour housing target of 27,000 houses, with 17,000 houses on green belt.

“My fear for Castle Point is not getting the local plan approved, so leaving us open to the housing target of 13,700, especially after identifying 16 potential greenbelt sites on our local plan consultation.”