COLCHESTER'S High Steward has warned the Ministry of Defence may have plans for further homes at Middlewick Ranges "in the back pocket for later".

Protestors gathered outside Colchester Council's Local Plan committee meeting to show their opposition to the MOD's proposals for a 1,000 estate at the popular beauty spot.

Sir Bob Russell addressed the meeting and called on the authority to stamp its authority on the plans, but also warned there may be more to come.

He said: "Can we have it confirmed the only reason this land is being looked at for development is because of the decision of the Government through the ministry of defence to close the firing range at Middlewick along with a dozen other firing ranges across the UK.

"It is not the fault of Colchester Council as has been suggested in some quarters.

"Obviously it is better it is 1,000 units rather than the 2,000 originally proposed by the government.

"But does anyone seriously believe the MOD will not come back for the other 1,000 in decades time?

"They're shutting the whole of the land, they wanted to build 2,000 homes on it, you don't have to be a mathematical genius to realise if they're building 1,000 houses on half the land they're getting rid of then it is quite easy to put the other piece of the land in the back pocket for later."

The town's former MP added: "We need to tell the MOD Colchester Council will decide where the houses will go, not them.

"They are shutting their firing ranges and disposing the site. The least we can do is determine where the houses go."

Residents are concerned the wildlife haven will be destroyed when the homes are built after operations relocate to Fingringhoe in 2021 and want to see a country park at the site.

Committee member Lewis Barber, Conservative deputy leader, said Colchester Council had to take at least part of the responsibility for the homes plan.

He said: "I think it is important to confirm Colchester Council did have an option, right or wrong, whether to allocate Middlewick in the emerging Local Plan."

The responses from a Defence Infrastructure Organisation consultation into the new estate earlier this year are set to be published soon.