FRESH plans to convert the former Essex County Hospital site into a 120 home estate are set to get the green light despite residents describing them as “lacking imagination”.
Essex County Council’s housing firm Essex Housing submitted more than 100 new documents relating to the Lexden Road site last month in an attempt to address complaints about the plans.
Access roads have been upgraded, CCTV cameras added and the council has upped the amount of cycle parking and electric vehicle charge points offered on site.
Now Colchester Council planning officers have recommended the bid for approval.
The original plans proved unpopular with many residents of the surrounding streets, with concerns raised over an increase in traffic and availability of parking and experts commissioned by residents warned there were not enough spaces for the new residents.
But despite the proposed changes residents said the plans are still not up to scratch.
One objection said: “This is perhaps one of the most important sites in Colchester and had a significant impact on how people see Colchester when arriving along the main thoroughfare of Lexden Road.
“This is a special site and deserves new building elements that are equally special.
“The current Lexden Road facing proposals are sadly lacking imagination and flare.
“It is a massive missed opportunity to enhance the vista, squandered in the pursuit of maximising the property density.”
If approved the developer plans to provide just four affordable homes.
It is below the council’s requirement of 20 per cent but officers described it as “a contribution nonetheless”.
Read more >>> Revised plans for 120 homes estate at Essex County Hospital
The report, set to go before councillors next week, said: “This is a scheme that will secure the future of the buildings on this important site and will deliver 120 much needed residential units in a highly sustainable location.
“Whilst it could be argued a scheme of a lower density could have a lesser impact on the conservation area and on the setting of the on-site heritage assets, the realistic chance of such a scheme being deliverable is low.”
Profits from the development will be reinvested in public services via the council and NHS trust.
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