Make Your Voice Heard – Protect Our Green Belt

The Green Belt is one of the most important protections our communities have. It safeguards open countryside, protects wildlife habitats, prevents urban sprawl and provides vital green space for residents to enjoy.

Current proposals to build on Green Belt land threaten to permanently change the character of our area. Once Green Belt land is built on, it is lost forever. That is why it is essential that local residents speak up and ensure decision-makers understand how strongly the community feels about protecting these spaces.

Why This Matters

Green Belt land plays a vital role in our community by:

• Preventing towns and villages from merging together
• Protecting wildlife and natural habitats
• Providing accessible countryside for residents
• Supporting environmental sustainability and flood protection
• Preserving the character and identity of local areas

Allowing development on this land sets a dangerous precedent and weakens the long-standing protections that exist to safeguard it.

What You Can Do

If you care about protecting our Green Belt, there are several ways you can help:

Contact Your Representatives
Write to your local MP and councillors to express your concerns about development on Green Belt land. Politicians need to hear directly from residents about how strongly the community feels.

Submit Comments on Planning Applications
Planning decisions are influenced by public feedback. Submitting an objection helps demonstrate the strength of local opposition.

South Essex portals:

• Southend: https://publicaccess.southend.gov.uk/online-applications/
• Rochford: https://www.rochford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/search-planning-applications
• Castle Point: https://www.castlepoint.gov.uk/planning
• Basildon: https://planning.basildon.gov.uk/online-applications/

Stay Informed
Read the information and research linked on this page to understand the planning policies, proposals and potential impacts.

Spread the Word
Share this campaign with friends, neighbours and community groups so more people are aware of what is happening.

Example Letter

If you’re unsure what to say, we’ve included an example protest letter that you can use as a guide when writing to your MP or councillors. Feel free to adapt it in your own words — personal messages often have the greatest impact.

Planning Objections Cheat Sheet

Planning Applications

Stay informed about planning applications affecting Green Belt land across Southend, Rochford, Basildon and surrounding areas.
This live dataset helps residents identify developments near them and take action before decisions are made.

View the Planning Applications

Get Involved

If you want to help protect our Green Belt, join your local group or residents’ association.

We’re bringing together community groups across the area to stand against Green Belt development—if this applies to you and you wish to be part of it, please fill out the form

Together we can ensure that our countryside and green spaces are protected for future generations.