Some residents who don’t have internet access have been asking us for paper forms so they can respond to the consultation on the Local Development Framework. We expected this and have been out delivering the forms through their letter-boxes.
What we didn’t expect was to get the same requests from people who are normally happy using the internet.
To quote an email from one resident, whom we happen to know is very technically skilled:
“would you raise the issue that the system they use to register an opinion from the public perspective, is far too complex You need to be an MI 6 agent to understand the “in” talk and the confusing system of endless boxes
The terms legal and unsound mean nothing to the public. It’s almost like they have purposely designed this to confuse people, so that they give up and don’t bother making a representation.
How could I think that?”
I agree about the complexity of the online system but RDC have assured me in writing that they will accept plain paper objections – i.e. there is no need to use the forms which are as complex as the online system.
Simply e’mail: planning.policy@rochford.gov.uk
Cllr Keith Hudson made the same commitment at the CAC in Hullbridge a couple of months ago.
By the way, there seems to be a problem with the online system not issuing confirmations (i.e. a second e’mail). I’ve reported it but the person concerned is away until next Thursday!
Admin, I have spent ages typing my submission in Word so that, when finished, I can copy and paste it onto the electronic form. I am still considering replying in paper form but fear that the postal strike will prevent it being delivered by the closing date. All the same if anyone is delivering to Rawreth Lane I would welcome a paper version even if it means driving to hand it in personally.
Greenbelt – I’ve put a pdf version of the form on
http://www.hockleyresidents.co.uk/Other/
so anyone can download.
My objection in now on the website, looks like there are more objections to 175 houses in Hawkwell than 770 houses in West Rayleigh/ Rawreth
I’ve added my first 3 comments tonight, still have more to do…..
Just finished after two and a half hours ! Not convinced about certain aspects total nightmare.I recieved confirmation of receipt .It certainly is not user friendly . .