A DISPUTE has erupted between members of the Wivenhoe Town Council and planners from Taylor Wimpey over the sale of a piece of land designated as green space.


The sale of a small plot of land on Bobbits Way, Wivenhoe, has stirred controversy after the Rightmove listing featured an artist’s impression of a luxury house on the plot, which is a designated green area in the town plan.

The Rightmove listing, which currently sits at £10,000, also mentioned various amenities nearby, such as shops and Wivenhoe train station, which members of the Wivenhoe Town Council believe is further referencing the sale of the land for development.

According to members of the town council, the plot of land would be unsuitable for development as they claim the soil is sodden due to a natural spring nearby.

The area in question has also greatly helped Wivenhoe’s vastly successful re-wilding project as the area was left uncut throughout the summer allowing biodiversity to flourish.

Glynn Evans, deputy mayor of Wivenhoe, spearheaded the town’s renowned rewilding project.

He said: “Despite their disclaimers that this plot is sold without planning permission they have very much so depicted it as a plot with a house, as well as quoted its proximity to certain amenities for a buyer.

“There is considerable discomfort at losing a green space but absolute disgust about tactics to sell on.

"We are fearful as ultimately, Wivenhoe Council's planning committee can only be advisory, the ultimate choice is down to Colchester Council.”

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We recognise the concerns raised to us regarding the proposed sale of a small piece of land at Bobbits Way.

 “This is a leftover parcel of private land from a historic development with no attached planning consent and is being sold as such. 

 “Should any future purchaser wish to develop the land it would be subject to planning policy and public consultation by the Local Planning Authority in the usual way.”