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We are disappointed with the plans to demolish the oak tree that we think is almost 200 years old.​

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There was a great deal of discussion about these sites when the Local Development Plan was proposed. The Council recognised residents concerns and recommended 45 homes for BOTH SITES. This was increased to around 75 homes on BOTH SITES after an appeal by the developers.  The developers wanted more, but Highways Essex had reservations that the combined sites could take more.

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We acknowledge that Cala Homes state that they are using the local houses as a design reference, but the density of homes is much greater than the surrounding areas, and we consider the housing density is too great.

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The traffic assessment is based on traffic counts done during June this year, which Essex Highways considers to be a neutral month.  However, one of the main contributors to traffic is the school-run, due to the concentration of schools in the town centre, in particular Brentwood School.  Traffic is significantly reduced over the summer months because 2 school years are not at school due to study and exam leave, and also more pupils walk because of better weather.  So, we do not think that June does not really represent a neutral level of traffic.  The assessment concludes that the average queue length is 6 cars during rush hour, which will come as a surprise to the residents at the top of Priests Lane.

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The junction is sited at one of the narrow points of Priests Lane. The visibility along the road is poor at this point as the road towards Brentwood curves away to the left, and there are several vertical obstructions.  The junction is also very close to Glanthams Road.  Glanthams Road also has reduced visibility and cars frequently protrude from the junction in order to see traffic on Priests Lave.  Further, pedestrians coming from/going to Glanthams Road only have one possible crossing point which is between the two junctions.  We consider that the volume of traffic from eventually more than 100 houses will compromise safety at these junctions. 

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