Tendring District Council is poised to make a decision that could have significant repercussions for the natural environment and local wildlife at Wades Reach Coles Lane on the Hamford Park Development, Walton-on-the-Naze. The proposal to build 200 homes on this valuable piece of land presents numerous environmental risks that far outweigh the benefits of new housing.

First and foremost, Hamford Water is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity, hosting a variety of bird species and unique habitats. These proposed developments would jeopardize this irreplaceable ecosystem, threatening the delicate balance that currently exists. The area serves as a sanctuary for many endangered and protected species—including migratory birds that rely on these wetlands for rest and feeding grounds.

Additionally, the proposed site is known to be a floodplain. Constructing homes on a floodplain poses not only environmental challenges but also puts new homeowners at risk. With climate change leading to more frequent and severe weather events, building in such areas is increasingly hazardous and impractical. It would result in extensive financial costs to manage flooding and inevitably damage the trust and safety of future residents.

Local planning policy, alongside national and international obligations to protect our natural heritage, clearly supports the rejection of this development. Such irreplaceable land should be preserved, not built upon, particularly when it contradicts our collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Furthermore, there are alternative sites with less environmental impact that could be considered for new housing, balancing the needs for additional homes with the necessity to protect our precious ecosystems.

We urge the Tendring District Council to deny planning permission for this development and take a stand for the environment. Protecting Hamford Water is not only a duty to our current residents but a responsibility to future generations. Let us preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of this area so it can be enjoyed and admired for years to come.

Please support our cause by signing this petition to voice your opposition to the proposed development and to advocate for the protection of Hamford Water's natural and invaluable landscape.

There are also other vitally important factors to take into consideration as follows:

• Pressure on local infrastructure and services. There are not enough doctors or schools to accommodate these new homes.
• Congestion of traffic coming in and out of Walton-on-the-Naze, and also the extra people who come to visit in the summertime.
• Harm to the Character of the area.
• As mentioned above, flood risk and drainage and sewerage concerns.
• The 200 homes being built within the Coastal Belt, which should not be allowed.
• The impact on the natural environment with the wildlife.

To Have Your Say, Please OBJECT to this madness before it goes to a Planning Application. The deadline for all representations and submissions need to be received by Tendring Council no later than 5pm on Monday, 23rd March 2026.

Please note that I will be sharing this petition with Tendring District Council when I receive a decent amount of supporters and votes to request that this ridiculous Proposal is Rejected before it ever gets to Planning!

Thank you so much for all your support with this Petition!