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Colchester: Flats plan sparks storm of protest

4:38pm Friday 16th November 2007

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PLANS for a major new housing development in north Colchester have sparked a storm of protest.

The controversial proposals for more than 200 homes include blocks of flats up to seven-storeys tall on the old Turner Village Hospital site.

The silver-clad apartments have caused a flurry of complaints from people protesting against the development.

One objector said: "The idea that apartment blocks up to seven storeys high will be crammed into that patch of land is, to be honest, ludicrous."

More than 30 people have already protested about the development, which includes affordable housing.

Residents claim it will put unbearable strain on existing services and cause congestion around Colchester General Hospital.

The flats have also been branded an eyesore and there are fears they will overlook other properties, ruining people's privacy.

The development is next to a site earmarked for a new school in Myland.

Northern Approaches Action Group chairman Martin Goss branded the development a "monstrous carbuncle".

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Your Say YourGazette

cliff, colchester says...
1:23am Sat 17 Nov 07

Martin Goss is the champion of Mile End. Hope he decides to stand for election - he'll shake up the old brigade with some new young politics. Much needed.

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Chris Morgan, Daya Nueva, Spain says...
7:53pm Sat 17 Nov 07

When looking at the town from Mile End the old BT block behind Williams and Griffins spoils the view, looking at Mile End will be as bad if these flats are allowed to be built

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JohnX, Colchester says...
1:47pm Sun 18 Nov 07

Oh good old Martin of the appropriately named NAAG, I guess some of us just aren't so threatened by progress, new houses are needed and its a case of build on Brown field sites like this or take more of the countryside, I'm sure he'd find reason to complain either way.

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disillusioned, Colchester says...
8:56am Mon 19 Nov 07

I think the real problem with this proposed development is the density of the dwellings. I have no problem with housing being built on this site but seven storey high blocks of flats with very limited parking will end up as nothing more than the slums of the future.

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Red Tape, colchester says...
10:23am Mon 19 Nov 07

This has more to do with developers profits than meeting the need for housing! Cramming as much into as small a site as possible makes them the most money. Any claims they make to be meeting a social need should be taken with a large pinch of salt!

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Thehunker, Colchester says...
3:06pm Mon 19 Nov 07

I don't think Mr Goss of NAAG is actually carrying a flag for Nimbyism! He clearly does not believe along with the other 50+ residents who have objected to this that the area needs sky scapers from the design set of Dr Who! The residential development is all made from Brick or wood and therefore Silver buildings which would look more at home in Stratford simply do not mix in with the architecture here!

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A resisdent, Colchester says...
3:06pm Mon 19 Nov 07

Agree with the comment regarding developers profits, also like to add the drive of Council greed for more council tax. Balkerene Heights is a prime example of over developed areas making Colchester look a right mess. I have no objection at all of the building of new houses, but surely the random rooflines and heights/designs of these new developements has to be in keeping with the area they are in. Colchester looks a right old mess coming in by train now. To be henest if these go up the soon to be demolished East End of london looks a far more nicer place to live.

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