COLCHESTER’S High Steward has criticised plans by Essex County Council to install ‘industrial’ style railings in a historic part of town.

Essex County Council plans to install 2.4 metre high railings at the Town House in East Stockwell Street.

The black railings, made of galvanised steel, will be used to create a safe car parking area.

The building is used by the county council as a youth centre and offices.

But Sir Bob Russell has raised concerns about the railings, saying they are too industrial for the historic Dutch Quarter which is rich in heritage.

The site is within a conservation area with a number of listed buildings in West Stockwell Street as well as the Grade II* listed Tudor house.

St Martin’s Church is also close to the site.

Sir Bob said, in an objection to the plans: “It is visually not acceptable for a conservation area and specifically its proximity to 11 Grade II listed buildings.

“I am particularly concerned the railings – visually more appropriate for an industrial estate – will be next to the dwelling which at the beginning of the 19th century was the home of the Taylor Family.

“Specifically, daughters Jane and Ann Taylor who were writers of children’s poems, notably Jane who in 1806 published Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

“I fully recognise the desire to deal with the problem of anti-social behaviour, but I feel more consideration should be given to produce a scheme which is more appropriate.”

He is asking the county council to defer a decision so it can work with Colchester Civic Society and Colchester Council to come up with another plan.

The county council wants to make the staff car parking area more secure. said in its planning statement: “Currently the undercroft area is difficult to secure and as a result anti-social activities are frequently carried out, particularly at night when the offices are not in use.

“There is, therefore, a need to secure this area for the security of the building and its users.”

The design is intended to be similar to the perimeter railings at St Martin’s Church.

The county council said the visual impact on the sensitive surroundings has been considered.

A spokesperson for council added: “This application is out for consultation with the community therefore we welcome Sir Bob’s views and they will be taken into consideration when a decision is made.”