Save Hadleigh Farmland from development by Castle Point Council & the Salvation Army

Contest Castle Point Council's consultation of the Salvation Army Farmland GB8 development project

The Castle Point Council's recent local plan consultation for potential sites has raised varying concerns among residents. Particularly troubling is the Salvation Army’s plan to build on farmland, an area known as GB8 in Hadleigh, Benfleet. This decision has seen significant opposition from local citizens, and the neighbouring borough Leigh-on-sea, who argue that this project could drastically alter the landscape and character of this historically rich area.

Hadleigh is famed for its rural appeal, charmingly ambling streets, and its adherence to traditional British architecture. This historic site is also the original birthplace of the Salvation Army’s Hadleigh Colony, in 1891, as part of the first General of the Salvation Army William Booth’s social reform project. The site borders on both, the Heritage England site for Hadleigh Castle, built around 1215, which was also the subject of John Constable’s famous landscape painting in 1829, and the 387 acre Hadleigh Country Park, overlooking the Thames Estuary, which hosted the 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike races.

Any development on GB8 farmland risks disrupting this natural beauty, affecting wildlife and eroding the heritage that is much cherished by its local community. Signing this petition sends a clear message to the Castle Point Council and the Salvation Army that the Hadleigh, Benfleet and Leigh residents stand in firm opposition to the destructive building plans for this area. It is time to take prompt action to ensure the preservation of the undeniable charm and historical significance that GB8, the Salvation Army Farmland, in Hadleigh holds.

The aim of the petition is to remove the HADLEIGH SALVATION ARMY FARMLAND, site GB8, from the local plan consultation, and any future local plan, as we STRONGLY OBJECT to any housing development on this farmland.

Sign now to oppose any development on GB8 and protect our Greenbelt and Farmland.