FEARS over proposed development on Ministry of Defence land were raised at a Local Plan consultation.

Colchester Council's draft Local Plan, which governs where houses across the borough can be built in the next 17 years, includes plans for 1,000 homes on Middlewick Ranges.

Residents raised concerns about the including of the area in the plan at a drop-in session organised by the council as part of an ongoing consultation set to run until August 11.

Alison Finch, of Speedwell Road, Colchester, said she was worried about the suitability of the land for housing after decades of use as an army training ground, and about safeguarding wildlife.

She said: "I believe there is a lack of concern over contamination from ammunition and artillery shells over the years that would make various areas of the site unsuitable for housing.

"There also seems to be ignorance of the dozen endangered species that thrive on the Wick and a reluctance for archaeological studies.

"The whole process seems rushed as it was less than a year ago when we found out the land was to be sold.

"I made all these points in my objection and hope they will be taken on board by Colchester Council".

The MoD announced they would sell off Middlewick Ranges last September, along with a dozen other sites in the country which are deemed as "no longer a long-term defence requirement."

The area was included at the draft Local Plan at the eleventh hour and at a mammoth committee meeting last month, chairman Martin Goss (Lib Dem) said although he was uncomfortable at the late submission, ignoring the land's development potential could see the area 'shafted' with even more homes at an appeal.

Borough councillor Lee Scordis (Lab), who represents the area where Middlewick Ranges is situated, encouraged residents to have their say on the plan at a meeting.

He said: "It is the one chance residents get to make their feelings known and I hope the council takes all the concerns on board.

"I have not hidden my worries about this proposal and I still have several concerns which I have made clear in my objection.

"The fact this was a very late submission was of great concern but also the lack of infrastructure in the area will also have huge implications for Old Heath as this is a potentially substantial development.

"The roads can not be widened in the area and congestion is already a major issue in the south of Colchester, while school places are already an issue. "We need help from the government to address this if they are selling their own land for more housing.

"The vast wildlife on the Wick also needs to be taken into account and I would like to see a country park or nature reserve on parts which are not built on as this land has the potential to rival High Woods Country Park.

"I believe it is important we get this right because once any green space is built on it is lost forever".

To have your say visit colchester.gov.uk/localplan.