ALMOST 1,000 angry residents and campaigners have objected to controversial plans for an access ramp linking a student flats development.

Alumno, which is set to build 336 student flats, shops, a Travelodge hotel and open space on land off Queen Street, Colchester, has submitted a planning application for the new ramp to be built linking Priory Street car park.

Under the terms of the planning approval, the development can only go ahead with ramp plans in place.

Campaigners have raised concerns about the impact the proposals would have on the town wall.

Alumno has denied any damage will be done to the Roman Wall in Priory Street and said there would be no direct impact on other newer parts of the wall.

Despite the developer’s assurances, more than 930 objections have been submitted online.

Colchester MP Will Quince is one of those to submit an objection.

He said: “The destruction of part of the town’s historic wall would not be acceptable, the impact of the access ramp on the Roman Wall unjustifiable, nor do I think the installation of an access ramp of this nature is aesthetically in keeping with a Grade I listed scheduled ancient monument.

“The destruction of the mature trees currently on site would be deeply regrettable.

“I am concerned about any archaeology in the area being damaged or destroyed as part of these works.

“At the very least, a condition should be imposed relating to archaeological surveying of the site of any ground works should this application be approved.”

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The Ancient Monuments Society has also raised concerns about the plans, saying it does not believe there is “sufficient information at this stage to discharge this condition”.

The group said: “This part of the site is clearly of great historic and archaeological interest, yet no information has been submitted with the application regarding the changed and additional archaeological or heritage impacts to justify this particular proposal.

“This is a concern given the extent of demolition, excavation and alterations required to the theatre wall, and area between the theatre and town walls, to facilitate the network of ramps as proposal.”

Colchester Council officers are set to rule on the plan.

Colchester Council's business boss David King said: "It is great that so many care so much about our heritage. So does the Council. We look after it, light it up, celebrate it. 

"Neither we or Historic England would agree to 'smashing' a hole through our medieval wall or Roman remains and it is those assertions that have driven the number of objections. 

"There is no hole to be 'smashed' though the medieval wall.  "There is an existing entrance in a Victorian wall to be widened to help disabled access. 

"Making that possible, from the Priory carpark is to be celebrated, as is that the development, will open access to the wall and allow it for the first time to be properly seen and appreciated. 

"The walling affected stands to the south of the line of the ancient town wall, on a different alignment, and belongs to the former Victorian buildings which stood on the site. 

"The older stonework is reused, as is clearly apparent from the use of brick in the lower levels of the wall.   

"Nor is it true that we are destroying the remains of the old Roman forum, for it is not at this location.  

"The changes are minor and approved by the inspector.

"Approval now is technical and about compliance with his ruling will not impact at all on any scheduled, protected or listed parts of the wall. Those suggestions are misunderstandings or false." 

  • Mr King (Lib Dem) is standing for election to Essex County Council in Mile End and Highwoods.
  • Other candidates are: Diane Baker (Reform UK), Amanda Kirk (Green), Jocelyn Law (Lab) and David Linghorn-Naker (Con).