CONTESTED plans to build homes off a lane widely used by walkers have been given the green light despite residents’ fears they will create “misery forever onwards”.
Proposals to build nine homes on land off Gosbecks View, Colchester, were approved by Colchester Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Thursday.
The plans to build a mix of houses and bungalows were knocked back in November last year after fears were raised about access to the development.
While planning officers explored the possibility of access to the site being provided via nearby Cunobelin Way, which was eventually ruled out, the Colchester-based housebuilder Vaughan & Blyth Homes submitted a fresh bid addressing some of the previously raised concerns.
Planning officer John Miles confirmed the new plans include provisions for three passing places, a new footpath, a new turning head, and a communal visitor parking space.
“While the development will change the char of the site itself, it’s considered the proposal will integrate successfully with the surrounding area, including in terms of the scheme’s relationship with heritage assets and the existing landscape,” he said.
Planner Mollie Foley confirmed Gosbecks View will not be narrowed to make way for the new footpath, while Essex Highways’ Martin Mason said the authority would consider introducing double yellow lines to prevent the road from becoming blocked by parked cars.
“This ensures that all residents, both prospective and existing, will have an improved safe means of travel on foot in both directions,” Ms Foley added.
Despite the reassurances, some residents remain sceptical of the new development.
Resident Richard Rayner told the committee: “Since [the last application was deferred], we don’t believe there’s been any significant changes to make this development more suitable for the area.
“If it wasn’t suitable for approval then, it surely isn’t now. Once approved, this mistake cannot be rectified and would cause misery forever onwards.
“Gosbecks View, as it is, is not a suitable access road.”
County councillor Dave Harris said the plans were a “step too far”.
Only two members of the committee voted against the development, with the remaining seven councillors voting in its favour.
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