Residents are split over an ambitious development plan in Colchester.

A football stadium, 1,700 homes and a new road from the A12 bypass to the middle of town were at the centre of controversy at a public meeting last night.

The Myland Parish Council-organised meeting heard fears of over-development, too much traffic and a "ghetto-stlye" mentality coming to the new residential area, all earmarked for the old Severalls hospital site.

"There doesn't seem to be much link between the new houses and our village. We must create the cycleways and footpaths to connect us, while keeping our identity.

"We don't want them totally seperate, like a ghetto," a resident said.

At least 470 extra school places would also be needed, according to the plans.

More than 40 residents voiced their opinions in the school hall meeting in Mile Road, and some said it could benefit the area.

"The stadium site is just off the A12 it would be an ideal location," said Jeffrey Carswell, of Turner Road.

Cuckoo Farm West is already at phase two with some preparation underway for a 10,000-seater stadium to replace Colchester United's home in Layer Road.

It would include sports facilities for the surrounding community, said chairman Peter Mecklenburgh.

A commercial unit, covering more than 70 acres of land at Cuckoo Farm East, is also planned, with overspill car parking for stadium users and shoppers at weekends.

Traffic fears were rife, with park and ride systems and a push to get people onto public transport mooted as the borough council's answer.

An expressway for buses, with priority at traffic lights and a fuller timetable, is pencilled in, instead of widening the roads around North Station Road.

The Northern Approach Road plan, linking more directly to the A12, gained some supporters, but there were worries over road safety and the use of residential streets as rat-runs.

The parish council is due to consider the comments and will air its views at the next meeting on December 12 in Mile Road.

Published Thursday November 29, 2001