Core Strategy Preferred Options document - Amazon Web Services

Characteristics, Issues and Opportunities
Large areas of open space are located in proximity to the main settlements,
providing the potential for recreational opportunities to be created if such
spaces are linked to areas of residence. The Upper Roach Valley provides a
particular opportunity.
The western area of the District contains areas of ecological and landscape
importance, most noticeably the Upper Roach Valley and Hockley Woods
which have the potential to provide high quality open space accessible to local
people.
The physical geography of the District gives rise to the potential to explore
opportunities to promote tourism. The potential impact of such tourism on the
environment must be carefully considered.
The Wallasea Island Wild Coast project, adjacent to the realigned coast of
Wallasea Island, represents a particular tourism opportunity – one which will
have to be carefully managed given the areas ecological importance.
Population
The last Census in 2001 recorded the District as having a population of
78,489. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that the population
of the District in 2008 is 81,700, and projects that this will rise to 87,000 by
2021.
Rochford District is home to a relatively large number of families, raising the
average household size. This is particularly the case in the western part of the
District, perhaps indicating that the higher levels of in-migration in these parts
are due to parents seeking the quality of life and prosperity needed to support
families.
Issues and Opportunities
Rochford District has a higher proportion of older residents than the national
and regional averages. The under-20 population of the District is expected to
fall between 2008 and 2021, with the population of those aged 20 to 64
remaining relatively stable. The over-65 population is expected to increase
considerably by 2021, outnumbering the under-20’s by 2015, and leading to
an overall increase in the District’s population.
The District’s ageing population may result in a smaller workforce and a
higher dependency ratio, to the detriment of the economic prospects of the
area. The ageing population could also lead to an increased demand for
health and social care, rather than services for youth. However, a lack of
facilities for young people is a current weakness in the District. The changing
demographic balance may result in the isolation of the existing pockets of
young people in the area - this may have an effect on the social and economic
futures of local young people.
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