It is an appropriate time to once again register the weight of local concern with regard to Bunting and Sons’ proposals to commercialise a substantial part of the Stour Valley area of outstanding natural beauty.
The current application, being the latest of several since 2001, has been ongoing for virtually a year.
Colchester Council itself has appointed consultants Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners to assist with certain aspects of what has become a hugely contentious issue.
The outcome could have far-reaching repercussions on the national planning protections afforded to an area of outstanding natural beauty to prevent the progressive covering in concrete, commerce and entrance fee-paying visitors actively sought by prospective developers.
Areas of outstanding natural beauty enjoy the strongest possible planning policy protections precisely because they are intrinsically vulnerable.
Our local area of outstanding natural beauty is the smallest in the country and the only one in Essex.
This development precedent must no be set by Colchester Council.
The planning policy protections must stand head and shoulders above personal commercial selfinterest, no matter how persuasive the developers’ offerings may appear.
There is a formidable level of objection raised.
This weight of objection is a hugely important consideration, which, in my opinion, must amount to a mandate for refusal of this application by Colchester Council’s planning committee.
Peter Gaskin
London Road
Great Horkesley
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