Readers react to Upminster 100 homes and hockey pitch plan

Readers have reacted to plans to build homes and a hockey pitch on green belt land in Upminster, with one labelling them “disappointing.”

The Recorder previously ran an article reporting on a flyer from developer Anderson about proposals for a pavilion and pitch for Upminster Hockey Club, alongside 100 homes on land north of St Mary’s Lane in Cranham.

Opinion was split in comments reacting to the story in a Facebook community group.

Emma Edmonds, a local, said: “I find this all really disappointing.

“I wish people would realise we will not get this (sic) green spaces back.”

Dean Lincoln added: “As it’s green belt, that should be the end of the matter.”

But other readers disagreed and said the need for housing should take precedence.

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Matt Hill said: “For homes I really can’t complain, I have a roof over my head, the same should be afforded to everyone.”

Robert Farnsworth added that the homes and pitch may not take up as much green belt as expected.

“It’s not prime green belt, more brownfield – the houses look quite stylish.”

But John Burns said infrastructure should be the priority, namely spending on schools, doctors, road capacity and public transport.

Upminster Hockey Club has said a sporting facility was much needed and special circumstances warranted the proposed development.

It added that a new facility was needed to support the club’s growing membership base.

An Anderson spokesperson said proposals for the scheme are centred on finding the best use of the land for the community and that it had been pleased by the feedback it has received.

A formal planning application has yet to be submitted.