CYCLING experts have hit out at plans for 102 new homes to be built off a busy road near a retail park in Stanway.

Colchester Cycling Campaign has objected to Persimmon Homes Essex's proposals to build the properties on land to the rear of 296 London Road, near Tollgate.

The properties will be a mix of two, three and four-bed houses and one and two-bed flats.

A total of 31 are set to be affordable homes, with 220 parking spaces provided on the estate.

The site has been allocated for new homes in Colchester Council’s Local Plan and Persimmon says the new estate would contribute to the borough’s five year housing supply.

However, Colchester Cycling Campaign says the design of the estate "falls well below the Government's recently updated standards" and says safety improvements to London Road are desperately needed.

They have urged Colchester Council to reject the plans unless revisions are made to bring them up to scratch.

The group has recommended London Road be narrowed and the pavements widened, routes across the development are improved and a segregated cycling route is provided along London Road, with a low traffic route created along Church Lane.

The group said: "There is no segregated cycling infrastructure anywhere along London Road from the top of Lexden Road to Marks Tey Station, nor is there any local network to connect to.

"Given the high traffic volumes, including HGVs and buses, and that motorists regularly speed and close pass cyclists, it is not surprising even experienced cyclists are not prepared to risk their lives on London Road.

"Yet there are no proposed highway or junction improvements to handle the extra traffic or improve facilities for cyclists or pedestrians."

Read more:

Stanway Parish Council, along with a handful of residents, has also objected to the plans.

The parish council said: "The land will be overdeveloped and very dense.

"There is a lack of infrastructure and the access onto London Road will be opposite Church Lane, potentially causing highways safety issues."

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.