ANGER has been expressed at “disappointing” designs for a new 1,000 home estate at a beloved wildlife haven.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has released a vision document for Middlewick Ranges, off Mersea Road, Colchester.
Once military operations cease in 2022 The Wick, as it is affectionately known by residents, 1,000 homes are set to be built on part of the site.
The vision document says a two class per year primary school will be built along with a new community hub featuring retail, leisure and community facilities.
Read more >>> School and community hub planned at 1,000 home Middlewick estate
The site has been allocated for homes in Colchester Council’s Local Plan, but Berechurch and Old Heath and Hythe’s councillors have called for plans to be taken off the table.
In a joint statement councillors Lee Scordis, Mike Lilley, Adam Fox, Chris Pearson, Martyn Warnes and Dave Harris said: “The Government always knew it was putting Colchester in a precarious situation with Middlewick Ranges.
“It was submitted as a late addition, which allowed little debate and no real consultation to take place.
“The new designs are highly disappointing for the area.
“Yes, we need more school places but you do not solve that issue by adding 1,000 more homes.
“We also need green space for future generations to enjoy.and these designs suggest the majority of the land will be built on.”
“We call on the MP and the Government to take Middlewick Ranges off the table for development.”
Plans for The Wick, which is a popular beauty spot, have proved controversial among residents.
Read more >>> Opposition to 1,000 homes plan for Middlewick Ranges revealed
Campaign group Save the Middlewick Ranges has been fighting against the proposals since 2019.
Mr Harris said Colchester Council had been backed into a corner over The Wick and said the Ministry of Defence had originally planned to build at least 2,000 homes on the land.
Mr Harris said: “The Government has not thus far listened to the plea from six councillors in Berechurch and Old Heath and Hythe and our residents from our letters or our petition.
“They were looking at 2,000 homes and that’s what the Government would have gone with. Maybe more.
“Colchester Council could not control the outcome, it would be down to an inspector.”
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