Plans for 200 homes on former Ministry of Defence site
Last updated 14th Oct 2024
Proposals for more than 200 new homes on a former Ministry of Defence site in Colchester are set to be discussed by councillors.
Colchester City Council’s planning committee is set to discuss plans for 203 homes with approximately 160 square metres of commercial space at the ABRO development site on Flagstaff Road, Colchester.
The site is of an irregular shape with a broadly rectangular nature located to the west of Flagstaff Road, approximately 300metres south of Colchester City Centre.
It forms part of the Garrison Conservation Area and extends to approximately 4.26 hectares.
The site has stood vacant for several years as it is no longer required by the Ministry of Defence. The majority of the site is covered by hardstanding.
The majority of the site was previously part of the Royal Artillery Barracks, latterly known as Le Cateau Barracks, forming a northern most part of the old Colchester Garrison.
Although a large part of the site has been cleared of buildings, several remain.
The proposal consists of two- and three-storey terraced and semi-detached properties, along with two- and three-storey apartment blocks, providing a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes.
The council officer’s report ahead of the meeting says: “The proposal would provide economic benefits, for example in respect of employment during the construction phase, the provision of additional commercial floor space within the site and as support for existing and future business, services, and facilities by introducing additional residents that would make use of them and provide future spend in the local economy.
"The social role of sustainable development is described as supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities by providing the supply of housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations and by creating a high-quality built environment with accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being.
"The proposal is considered to meet these objectives as it would contribute towards the number of dwellings required to support growth in the east of Colchester, including balanced communities through the delivery of much needed affordable housing (including family homes), and is located within a highly sustainable location close to the town centre and key local services and facilities required for day-today living.
“There is also sufficient evidence to be confident that overall, the development would not cause significant harm to the amenity of nearby residents or have a severe impact upon the highway network.
"Whilst the proposed development would have an impact on the existing character of the site and setting of listed buildings through a general suburbanising effect on the wider setting (by introducing built development where there is none currently), the positive economic and social benefits, as well as the sustainability of the proposal would weigh in favour of this scheme as does the significant weight afforded to the enhanced supply of new homes in the Framework.”
A spokesperson for Colchester City Council said: “This planning application relates to a brownfield site, already allocated for development under Colchester's adopted Local Plan. The site is supported by a detailed framework which guides how relevant applications are assessed. A comprehensive report has been prepared and will be carefully reviewed by the Planning Committee.
“We understand the significant public interest in the proposal for over 200 homes on the former Ministry of Defence barracks. However, we must emphasise that it is the Planning Committee’s responsibility to consider and determine planning applications. At this stage, we cannot pre-empt the Committee's decision or speculate on any potential outcomes.
A spokesperson for Colchester City Council said: “The Planning Committee will evaluate the proposal based on a range of material planning considerations, including local and national planning policies, public input, and expert advice from statutory consultees.
"This ensures that any development aligns with Colchester’s long-term strategy for growth and community needs. We encourage the public to engage through the formal channels available, such as 'Have Your Say', to provide their views on this matter.”