COUNCILLORS are urging defence chiefs to have a re-think over plans to sell a popular beauty spot.

The Ministry of Defence wants to sell Middlewick Ranges in Colchester by 2021, which has been allocated for up to 1,000 homes.

Residents have called for the land to be turned into a country park to preserve its natural beauty.

Berechurch councillors Dave Harris and Chris Pearson have written to Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson asking for him to intervene.

They said: "We both feel that with over 90 sites of Army land, it is really feasible to take the sale of Middlewick ranges off the table all together.

"We are seeing lack of infrastructure in south and east Colchester having a detrimental effect to the community we represent."

The Labour councillors said although they were not opposed to a potential extension of Colchester Cemetery in Mersea Road, on the northern part of Middlewick, the rest of the land should be spared.

The councillors also said a tree line at the rear of the Birch Glen estate off Mersea Road to be protected as it has wildlife and flora, "essential to the environment".

In 2016, the MoD announced it would sell Middlewick Ranges, along with a dozen other sites in the country which are deemed as “no longer a long-term defence requirement”.

Colchester Council suggested the site was suitable for new homes as part of its Local Plan.

Colchester’s MP Will Quince is trying to find an alternative solution to the 1,000 homes.

He hopes to turn part of the site into a country park.

A petition with more than 1,700 signatures was recently presented to Colchester Council asking it do all it can to protect the ranges. through the creation of a wildlife corridor.

Campaigners have also launched a fundraising drive and are hoping to raise £1,500 to help support their bid to save the site.

It can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/julie-ennifer.

An MOD spokesperson said: “It remains our intention to dispose of Middlewick Ranges by 2021. 

"The site is in the Colchester Borough Council Local Plan with an allocation for approximately 1,000 new houses. The Department will continue the process of detailed planning and engagement with the council, based around a well-designed housing-led proposal including public open space.

"The Department will respond to the Councillors formally in due course.”

N Mr Pearson is a candidate in the Colchester Council elections on May 2.

Others standing in Berechurch ward are: Mary Bryan (Green), Fabian Green (Conservative) and Mick Spindler (Liberal Democrats).