Wivenhoe 80 homes and care home plans given green light

Manor Oak Homes submitted plans for the construction of a minimum of 80 homes and a 60-bed care home to Colchester Council at the beginning of 2022.

The proposals also include details for up to eight charity homes, alongside other associated open space, landscaping, and infrastructure.

Despite, notes saying the site will be “up to 80 homes”, a statement says it is “highly unlikely the site would yield a significantly greater number of units than 80”.

The homes would be a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses, 20 per cent of which would be “affordable”.

The care home will be two storeys, with some accommodation for staff also contained within part of the attic roof space.

Site - access to the new development will be next to the town's fire station (Image: Google)

Colchester councillor for Wivenhoe Mark Cory described the new care home as a “first-of-its-kind” for the town, being a larger standalone site compared to pre-existing smaller care homes and council-run shelters.

He said: “This has been going through the planning process for quite some time.

“Wivenhoe Town Council has been working with the developers to negotiate the best outcome for Wivenhoe.

“It is a sight which has been designated in the neighbourhood plan which was voted on by residents with a large majority."

The site is located towards the northern edge of Wivenhoe with the southern boundary backing onto existing properties along Heath Road.

To the west, the site borders open space for Broomgrove Junior School, while the eastern boundary backs onto the rear existing properties and Wivenhoe Fire Station.

Smile - Colchester councillor for Wivenhoe Mark Cory (Image: Newsquest)

Access to the site will be provided off Colchester Road next to the existing fire station.

"Some residents, most local to the site who live in Heath Road and back onto the site, are worried about the development," added Mr Cory.

“I personally live nearby and want to see mitigations for residents and as local councillors we will work on that detail.

“I have also worked with fellow councillors and the town council on Section 106 money for the community, in particular at this site, which includes more allotments and funding for a community hub at the top end of Wivenhoe.”