Colne Quay: Revised plans submitted for 270 student flats

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

As part of the plans, the developer wants to make a host of improvements to the public space, including spending £1.5 million on a new river wall.

The initial proposals were for 300 homes, however, Beyond The Box has now revised its plans following feedback from residents.

The developer says plans now include more and enhanced green public open space, fewer buildings and student bedrooms, and greater biodiversity.

Under the revised plans almost 70 per cent of the site will be public open space accessible to the community.

This includes a new central public square which will open up a view from the Spinnaker pub across the River Colne.

James Struth, managing director of Beyond the Box said: “We have taken five months to carefully consider the constructive feedback we have received.

“We now have just two buildings rather than three, which has enabled us to open up views from the Spinnaker pub across a central public square to the river.

“Our £1.5 million public realm plans will make nearly 70 per cent of the site fully accessible to the public and will deliver 150 metres of new river wall.”

However, the proposals have already attracted objections from residents.

This includes Rod Isbister, the landlord of the Spinnaker pub, who lambasted the “unacceptable” plans.

He said: “The plans will not enhance the Spinnaker, our terrace will be hugely affected.

“People will instead buy drinks from the shop in the square and be a nuisance out in public."

If the plans win approval from Colchester Council, construction work on the development will begin in spring next year with the aim of opening to students in September 2023.