1,000 homes could be built on Colchester's Middlewick Ranges
Part of the soon to be former MoD site has been set aside for new homes
Controversial proposals to allocate 1,000 houses in a rare wildlife habitat in Essex have been given the go-ahead after a major planning blueprint passed its final hurdle.
Colchester Borough Council voted to formally adopt section two of its local plan at a special meeting last night (July 4).
The plan, which sets out where 15,970 homes are intended to be built across the whole borough, includes the allocation of 1,000 homes in Middlewick Ranges, a rare piece of acid grassland currently owned by the Ministry of Defence and previously used as a live firing range.
Councillors warned withdrawing the plan would “wreak chaos” across the whole borough, risking higher housing targets and millions spent fighting speculative developments and appeals.
It was also suggested adopting the plan could afford the Ranges some protection, with 60 per cent of the site set to be retained as open space, possibly as a country park, through a masterplanning stage.
But the move has angered residents, many of whom use the site for recreational purposes such as exercising or dog walking, and who fear a valuable ecological habitat could be lost if houses are built there.
Many turned up to last night’s meeting to speak against the plan, with one calling it an “oasis of green space”. Several cross party councillors also spoke against the plans.
Councillor Sue Lissimore (Con, Prettygate) said: “For the memories I have of playing with my children, for my mother in law who grew up playing on it, for older generations who grew up with this site, I cannot vote for a plan that includes the wick.”
Councillor Mark Goatcher (Green, Castle) said: “We face an existential threat. That is what a climate and biodiversity emergency means, an existential threat.
“We’ve heard a lot tonight about the ecological importance of Middlewick Ranges and I cannot support a local plan that has such a wildlife site at the heart of it.”
Those speaking in favour told the meeting that Middlewick Ranges is just one site in the plan, and that the entire borough is at risk of development if the plan was not adopted.
Councillor Dennis Willetts (Con, Lexenden and Braisewick) said: “This evening I would suggest we have a very simple choice before us. It’s either approve the local plan or wreak chaos onto this borough.”
Councillor Martin Goss (Lib Dem, Mile End) said: “We represent all of Colchester tonight, not just our wards, we are looking at the holistic approach, and the risks, there are huge risks if we do not adopt this local plan.”
Now the plan has been adopted, the council will be able to reject planning applications for Middlewick Ranges which do not meet a series of conditions which it sets out, including providing a detailed masterplan.
The plan was submitted to the planning inspectorate in December 2021 and found to be legally compliant in May this year.
26 councillors voted in favour of adopting the plan, with five against and seven abstaining. Eleven councillors were absent.