Planning committee unanimously rejects Cultural Quarter plans

At a fiery meeting, councillors heard passionate speeches from members of the public and businesses on both sides of the argument.

After about two hours of deliberations, councillors chose to throw out the plans on the grounds of disabled access, lack of public consultation, overdevelopment and design issues with the scheme.

Particular concern was raised over a disabled ramp near to the proposed John Ball Square.

Planning officers told the committee it was “physically impossible” to make the ramp Disability Discrimination Act compliant.

Chris Pearson (Lab, Berechurch) proposed a motion to reject the scheme.

He said: “I have grave concerns with what I am hearing in regards to the ramp in particular.

“On that basis I move to refuse on the basis the proposal is not fully compliant with DDA and that two decades into the 21st century, this authority shouldn’t be approving a proposal which isn’t DDA compliant.

“I also would like to move this be moved that on the grounds we have heard there has been a failure to consult in a timely fashion with all interested parties, not least residents, to produce a design which is in keeping with expectation for this site.”

Planning officers told the committee compliance with the DDA was not compulsory.

However, Gerard Oxford (Ind, Highwoods) seconded Mr Pearson’s motion.

“I have to say I am deeply offended by the idea we can decide whether or not we choose to comply with the equalities act,” he said.

“If it is difficult, we are OK to endanger the health of individuals?

“I think, as an authority, there is no way on earth we should be proposing to do such a thing.”

Jackie Maclean (Con, Marks Tey and Layer) said she was “very uncomfortable” with the accessibility of the development.

“There will be businesses working there, we do not know who will be working there, and I think we have to see and expect it is accessible to everybody,” she said.

“Queen Street may be uplifted by highways we do not know yet, but they are very narrow streets and it is not the nicest of places to try and manoeuvre a wheelchair

“I am uncomfortable with this application, I do not think enough has been explored and I’m worried.

“We have a number of student accommodations being built and I want to know if every student space in Colchester is taken up.”

Committee chairman Pauline Hazell said a disabled access ramp which isn’t to the required standards was “a very risky thing to consider”.

Brian Jarvis (Con, Lexden and Braiswick) raised concerns over the density of development and the effect the new buildings would have on the surrounding historical assets like St Botolph’s Priory and the Roman Wall.

He said: “I feel this proposal falls short of the social, economic and environmental guidelines.

“We do not need to rush into developing this strategically important area of the town, but once we build on this site, and if we get it wrong, we will have lost the opportunity to regenerate the area.”

There was loud round of applause across the hall when he ended a speech with “I think we can do better than this”.

The application, which included 336 student rooms, an 87-bed Travelodge hotel, retail units and a range of public open space, was recommended for approval by the council’s planning officers.

However, councillors chose to overturn officers’ recommendation in the face of unwavering public outcry against the scheme.

Lyn Barton (Lib Dem, Shrub End) said: “There was no doubt the area needed regenerating”.

She added: “I am concerned by the design and density of the student accommodation.

“To me it does do harm to the Town Wall.

“In conclusion I do have concerns, I do not feel it is fulfilling our original masterplan for this quarter.

“We only have one chance and I want to make sure we get this right.”

A vote on a deferral and recommendation overturn procedure was unanimously rejected.

This process would have meant the start of a deferral period to give officers a chance to compile more information on the risks of rejection.

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