“OVERBEARING and out of scale” plans for 100 new homes have been approved despite huge concerns from neighbours.

Hundreds of people objected to the City and Country outline proposals to build 100 homes on land off Brierley Paddocks, in West Mersea, but they were given the go ahead last year.

Now a proposal determining the layout of the scheme has also been unanimously approved by Colchester Council despite fears over privacy and concerns over access points.

It had been slightly amended from an earlier plan, but residents said it did not go nearly far enough to allay their concerns.

A total of 30 homes have been designated as being affordable, and it is hoped some would be ringfenced for local people.

Gazette:

  • The layout plan for the new properties

West Mersea Town councillor Chris Wood said his authority were worried about the impact of the development.

“The council does not consider that the proposed changes in respect of his application address the principle concerns and there has been no consultation with residents on the revisions,” he said.

“We consider this proposal delivers inappropriate proximity to existing housing stock, current plans maximise rather than minimise existing housing in Seaview Avenue.

“It is overbearing, out of scale and out of character in terms of appearance.

“Some houses are just five metres away from existing homes.

“Affordable homes must be for people who live in West Mersea and who live in the borough.”

Stephan James, of Seaview Avenue, said residents were planning legal action and that the development impacted on their human rights.

Richard Winsborough from City and Country said they hoped work on the development could begin as soon as possible.

He said: “I believe we have produced a layout compliant with guidance and this will be a high quality site.

“The 30 per cent of affordable housing will help tackle local need head on.

“The idea is to be on site within a matter of months to start on private and affordable housing.”