PLANS to sell off Middlewick Ranges have been likened to a “rotten apple” which could “contaminate” other developments in Colchester.
A group of 17 naturalists and ecologists have written to Colchester Council to press them to act to stop 1,000 homes being built at the former Army training base.
It follows a letter from the group last month which warned councillors of the “grave ecological risks” development would pose.
The campaigners say they are “disappointed” to have “still not received a response or answers from the senior planning officers to some very urgent, pertinent and legitimate questions and concerns”.
The 38-page letter sent this week says the Wick is a “critical component of the ecological system” and “not just a piece in a planning puzzle”.
A spokesman for the Friends of Middlewick group said: “Its forced fit into the local plan exacerbates issues, like a ‘rotten apple’ that risks further contamination of the entire local plan the longer it remains.”
Council 'recognises strong interest' in saving Wick
“We urge the council to act promptly and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, proposing collaboration to remove Middlewick from the local plan or to develop a new plan if required that excludes and protects this vital local wildlife site as a designated nature reserve,” the latter added.
Colchester Council said: “As previously conveyed, we recognise the community’s strong interest in protecting the Middlewick Ranges and will provide a complete and accurate response once all necessary information is available.
“A comprehensive response is being drafted, undergoing internal review, and will be submitted as soon as it is complete.
“While we initially anticipated a quicker turnaround, we believe taking the necessary time to gather all relevant information and perspectives will ultimately result in a more robust and accurate response that effectively responds to the group’s concerns.”
The site is included in the council’s plan for almost 16,000 homes to be built in the city by 2033.
A call for sites by the authority saw several members of the public call for Middlewick Ranges to be retained “as a green use”.
Councillors will debate changes to the local plan at a meeting next week.
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