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These questions challenge the entire premise of building there in the first place.

1. "This site, H020, was part of a Local Plan that was overwhelmingly rejected by residents. Why do you believe your company has the right to ignore that clear democratic mandate?"

2. "The National Planning Policy Framework states you need 'very exceptional circumstances' to build on the Green Belt. Given this site was rejected in the past, what, specifically, are the 'very exceptional circumstances' you believe exist now?"

   • What to listen for: "Housing need" alone is not an exceptional circumstance. They need a much stronger reason.

3. "Your leaflet highlights the site's access to Rayleigh Road. Have you completed a full Traffic Impact Assessment, and does it model the impact of potentially 150 extra cars during the morning and school-run peaks? What specific, physical road improvements are you proposing to mitigate this?"

   • What to listen for: A vague mention of a "travel plan." This is not a solution. Ask for concrete infrastructure changes.

4. "Regarding drainage issues, can we see the full hydrological survey and your surface water drainage plan? How can you guarantee that you will not increase flood risk for existing homes and the surrounding woodland?"

   • What to listen for: Any hesitation. This is a critical safety and environmental issue.​

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Regarding: "Up to 95 new homes including 50% as affordable"

1. "Your leaflet says 'up to' 95 homes. What is the guaranteed maximum number of homes you will apply for, and can you guarantee it won't increase later?"

   • What to listen for: A vague answer. "Up to" is flexible language; they need to commit to a firm number.

2. "You promise '50% affordable'. What is your precise definition of 'affordable' in pounds and pence? What specific purchase price are we talking about, and how does that compare to the average local salary in Castle Point?"

   • What to listen for: They will likely use a government definition. Press them for actual numbers.

3. "Will these 'affordable' homes be prioritised for people with a proven, long-standing connection to Castle Point, and how will you legally guarantee that?"

   • What to listen for: A non-committal answer. They need to confirm a "local connection" policy will be enforced.

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Regarding: "High-quality new areas of public open space"

1. "What percentage of the total site area will this 'public open space' represent after you have built the houses, roads, and gardens?"

   • What to listen for: They will offer a number in square metres. Ask for it as a percentage of the entire field they are destroying. It's often a tiny fraction.

2. "Who will own and, more importantly, who will pay for the maintenance of this 'public open space' in perpetuity? Will it be handed to the council with a maintenance fund, or left to a private management company that charges residents a service fee?"

   • What to listen for: If it’s a private company, it's not truly public, and it burdens the new homeowners.

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Regarding: "Biodiversity enhancements and the preservation of healthy trees and hedges"

1. "Can you explain, in specific scientific terms, how removing established grassland and the animals that graze it, and replacing it with concrete, tarmac, and buildings, will result in a net enhancement of biodiversity on this site?"

   • What to listen for: They will talk about bird boxes and new planting. Point out that a bird box does not replace an entire ecosystem for foraging animals like foxes and badgers. This is classic greenwashing.

2. "What specific provisions have been made for the existing wildlife—the foxes, badgers, and other foraging animals—that will be displaced by this development?"

   • What to listen for: This highlights the immediate, tangible loss of habitat that their marketing materials will ignore.

3. "Under the Environment Act 2021, you are legally required to provide a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Have you completed the official DEFRA metric calculation for this site, and can we see a copy of that full report and its baseline survey today?"

   • What to listen for: If they haven't done it or won't share it, it suggests their claim is baseless marketing, not a legally compliant plan.

​Regarding: "Financial contributions towards local public services"

1. "Can you provide the exact figures your models suggest you will contribute to local schools and NHS services? How were these figures calculated, and do they cover the full cost of the new staff and infrastructure required for over 200 new residents?"

   • What to listen for: Vague promises. These contributions (known as Section 106) rarely cover the true long-term cost to public services.