CAMPAIGNERS and councillors have hit out at plans for 1,000 new homes at a beauty spot.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s plans for the new estate at Middlewick Ranges were discussed during an examination of Colchester Council’s Local Plan.

Inspector Jameson Bridgwater was addressed on the issues relating to the controversial development by campaigners and councillors opposed to the plans.

The MoD will sell The Wick for development after 2022 when firing operations move to Fingringhoe whilst Colchester Council has included the site in its Local Plan.

Sir Bob Russell, Colchester High Steward, said sadly “the horse had bolted” over homes being built at The Wick.

Homes - Sir Bob Russell wants the council to get part of The Wick

Homes - Sir Bob Russell wants the council to get part of The Wick

“It is now a question of damage limitation,” he said.

“The words claiming the community has been ‘engaged in developing the evidence’ is not a true reflection of the views of the community and its elected representatives.

“I therefore ask the inspector to rule the DIO and the council’s planning department must establish a forum to which the ward councillors and residents can help formulate an agreed way forward for an ‘up to 1,000 houses’ development. Not asking a lot, surely?”

Sir Bob argued for houses to be built on land within the fenced firing area, with the northern part to be given to Colchester Council for community use.

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Councillor Dave Harris said: “I’m opposed to such development as there is no infrastructure to support even a small development at this site. The road network is at breaking point, in fact its gridlock now on Mersea Road.

“I ask that the plan is amended as per residents wishes and allow other sites to be chosen to back fill the numbers.”

Councillor Lee Scordis added: “Middlewick is a vital area of Colchester that defines the character of the south of Colchester.

“The land itself is unique, with a variety of fauna and wildlife that is not found in parts of Colchester.

“The report from the Essex Wildlife Trust is damning and shows that the evidence supplied by the MoD is sketchy at best.

“The loss of this land will also destroy the natural barrier between two great but different communities in Old Heath and Monkwick.”

  • Mr Harris and Mr Scordis are standing for election in May's elections.
  • The other candidates running against Mr Harris for Colchester Council are John Clifton (Green), Chris Piggot (Con) and Mick Spindler (Lib Dem). The other Essex County Council candidates are Tony Emment (Lib Dem), Joe Johnson (Reform), Chris Piggot (Con) and Blake Roberts (Green).
  • The candidates up against Mr Scordis for County Hall are Petra Crees (Con), Tim James (Freedom Alliance), Steph Nissen (Green) and Peter Schraml (Lib Dem).