A DEVELOPER says its controversial plans for 201 homes on Mersea Island are “justified and deliverable”.

City and County wants to build the new estate, along with some commercial buildings, on land at Brierly Paddocks on the west side of the island.

But Colchester Council’s planners warned the proposed development is too big and Mersea’s infrastructure will struggle to cope.

It states there are particular concerns over Mersea’s “social” infrastructure with schools and healthcare facilities already at capacity.

The North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group said the island’s surgery could not cope with the projected increase in residents and warned there are bigger constraints due to Mersea’s unusual constraints.

Now Strutt and Parker has issued a rebuttal, on behalf of the developers, claiming the bid is right for the island. Colchester Council’s Local Plan, which is under consideration of an inspector, makes plans for 200 homes on West Mersea.

But the plan only includes 100 homes on the Brierly Paddocks site.

But Strutt and Parker said as part of the Local Plan “there are no suggestions” 201 homes in Mersea would result in “unresolvable infrastructure capacity issues”.

It added: “The provision of 200 dwellings, as opposed to 100, would represent a more efficient use of the site and, as such, an approach more consistent with national policy.”

Strutt and Parker also argues the council’s adopted development plan is out of date and the council cannot demonstrate a five year housing supply.

Colchester Council will have a final say on the bid.