AN Iron Age earthwork designed to protect the earliest inhabitants of Colchester is at risk from a quarry and a zoo’s expansion plans.

Historic England claims that Colchester Zoo’s expansion plan and Tarmac’s plans to extract 500,000 tonnes of sand could harm the historic Gryme’s Dyke.

The organisation said the dyke is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of “the highest significance”.

The dyke was one of a series of large linear earthwork dykes that protected the important settlement centre of Camulodunum – now modern day Colchester.

Gryme’s Dyke may have been built as long as 20 years after the Roman invasion in AD 43, possibly as part of the response to the revolt, led by Boudica, when the town was destroyed by fire.

Gazette:
Historic England says its primary concern relates to the impact of the proposed development upon the significance of the scheduled monument.

Dr Jess Tipper, Historic England’s inspector of ancient monuments for Essex, said: “The proposed development would permanently change the setting of the scheduled Gryme’s Dyke.

“This would result in loss of significance to the significance of the scheduled monument.

“The proposed development would result in harm to the appreciation and experience of this heritage asset of the highest significance.”

This proposal consists of a southern extension to Stanway Quarry at Colchester Zoo, which is developing plans of its own to expand in close concert with the quarry plans.

 

It is proposed to extract 20 per cent of the sand and gravel resources from land to the east of Colchester Zoo and to the south of Stanway Quarry, and to create a new landform appropriate for future use by the zoo.

The zoo says it supports the application – which is being promoted as providing enabling work for the future expansion of the zoo.

Tarmac denied the plans would affect the dyke.

It said: “There will be no material changes to topography and no material change to the setting of the Scheduled Grymes Dyke and thus no significant impact.

It said: “No evidence or assessment has been provided to justify this Historic England comment which is totally subjective..”

The zoo has said its expansion plans will help new jobs for the local community.

Colchester Zoo has been approached for further comment.