Backing given to 244 homes plans (From Gazette)

Backing given to 244 homes plans

5:00pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News

PLANS to build 244 homes and a new factory in a village have been backed.

Wilkin & Sons wants to demolish its existing factory, in Factory Hill, Tiptree, in order to build 118 homes on the site.

The jam makers also want to build 126 homes on land to the north of the factory as well as building a new 133,000sq m factory near to Factory Hill.

Now parish councillors have backed the plans, but have warned the increased number of homes could lead to flooding at Layer Brook, near to where a new sewerage treatment plant would be built.

“There are concerns about the overall development because of the water going from all the houses to Layer Brook,” said Terry Slater, chairman of Tiptree Parish Council.

“Water tends to gather there and at the moment, I wouldn’t say it’s flooding, but residents want to know is the additional water going to make problems there worse?

“Are we going to see the risk of flooding increasing? This is important for the people of Tiptree.”

Mr Slater added: “Overall we are backing the applications but it is important Colchester Council knows we do have concerns.”

If the family firm wins planning approval, the factory would increase its number of staff from 270 to 500.

According to the company, which made its first preserve in the village in 1885, planning permission would ensure Wilkin & Sons remains in Tiptree until 2030.

Parish councillors’ decision to support the applications was taken at a meeting on Monday night, which about 50 members of the public attended.

The application is due to be decided by Colchester Council on May 7.

A Wilkin & Sons spokeswoman said the company would not comment on the application until it was decided