OWNERS of a riverside pub says plans for 300 more student flats to be built nearby will turn the area into a “concrete jungle”.

Beyond the Box wants planning permission to construct the new flats at Colne Quay, on the banks of the River Colne in Hythe, Colchester.

The proposals have already attracted dozens of objections from residents, with concerns being raised over the density of housing and the impact on nearby services.

Rod and Bridget, who are the owners of The Spinnaker pub opposite the site, have been delivering leaflets urging residents to object.

They said: “The size of this monstrosity on this tiny strip of land, on a major flood zone will condemn the Hythe into a complete concrete jungle.

“Our light, our view and our heritage all gone.”

Ward councillor Lee Scordis has called in the plans, with colleagues Mike Lilley and Adam Fox also expressing concerns.

He said: “When the developer first met with us regarding these plans I had serious reservations about the size of the buildings proposed and the effects to the local pub and the flats already in place, flats that were likely purchased due to the view.

“There were also concerns over parking, which is already troublesome in this area, as Beyond the Box can not stop students from owning a car.

“We can’t see the Hythe become a dumping ground for just flats, it needs to have something for local people and to attract people to the area to help boost the local economy.”

Mr Lilley added there should be no more building in the Hythe until Haven Road’s flooding problems were sorted.

“We can not keep ignoring this issue that is damaging businesses and bringing the town to a standstill,” he said.

Mr Scordis added: “Our biggest concern is the suitability of the site, the design and also the lack of benefit we have seen in the Hythe despite so much build.”

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However, the developers behind the flats project say it would give an economic boost to the area.

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James Struth, managing director of Beyond the Box, said the proposals would bring longterm “public, economic and biodiversity benefits”.

He added: “This includes public access to a new landscaped riverside walk linking Colne Causeway to the Colne footbridge, new public realm with trees, planting and seating areas, and a biodiversity garden and bio-solar roof to create new wildlife habitats and generate electricity.

“Through our proposals we would directly invest £20 million in the derelict site, including £2 million on public realm and biodiversity. The development will also create long term local jobs and generate ongoing spend in the area of some £1.75 million per year.

“Furthermore, our proposed £1 million vital rebuild of the river wall would represent the single biggest investment in flood prevention the Hythe has seen for many years.

“Most of the proposed development will be significantly lower than surrounding buildings currently fronting the river, with only one new building similar in height to the tallest buildings in the area like the Maltings.

“We recognise some residents have concerns about aspects of the proposals for the site.

“As a local business, we remain committed to discussing and engaging with them throughout the planning process.

“We are also keen to continue to work with councillors so they can help shape the plans, as we have sought to do from early on in the process.”