CAMPAIGNERS have called on the Defence minister to step in to save Colchester's Middlewick Ranges from development.

More than 1,000 homes could be built on the former Army training base.

The beauty spot is still owned by the Ministry of Defence.

Colchester’s Labour councillors today held a protest in Abbot’s Road to demand that Defence minister Grant Shapps save the site.

Councillor Dave Harris, who represents Berechurch, said: “The land is owned by the Ministry of Defence and only Grant Shapps can choose who to sell it to.

“If he chooses to sell the Wick to a developer, it will be lost as a green space.

"If he decides to keep it as a training area or gift it to the people of Colchester it can be saved.”

Labour's General Election candidate for Colchester Pam Cox backed the calls.

She said: “It is really good to see people today calling on Grant Shapps to save the Wick, he has the power to do it and take it off the table."

Gazette: Campaigner - Councillor Steph Nissen (centre) holding a photograph of a butterfly found in the WickCampaigner - Councillor Steph Nissen (centre) holding a photograph of a butterfly found in the Wick (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Steph Nissen said some councillors had voted for the Wick to be developed in 2022 before being aware of concerns raised by Natural England.

Colchester Council has commissioned an independent ecological survey after a group of ecologists picked flaws in a previously completed survey.

The independent survey will include an assessment of the ecologists’ submissions.

Gazette: Wildlife - Ecologist Martin Pugh brought a collection of photos showing the species found in the biodiverse WickWildlife - Ecologist Martin Pugh brought a collection of photos showing the species found in the biodiverse Wick (Image: Newsquest)

Martin Pugh, a senior ecologist at the Essex Wildlife Trust and ‘Save the Wick campaigner’ said the area, with many common and rare insect species, should be made into an SSI site for its protection.

He said: “Many of them are exceptionally rare species that you can only find in Middlewick in Essex, so we are talking about a species extension here.

“There is a lot riding on Middlewick.”

Gazette: Species - A wasp spider found in southern England was one the insect species found at the Wick Species - A wasp spider found in southern England was one the insect species found at the Wick (Image: Newsquest)

Council leader David King said: "I understand that residents have deep anxiety about the future of the wick".

"This is MOD land, and they will have to decide what their plans are but the council has put in place all the protection it can - negotiating a reduction from 2000 to 1000 homes if it is developed and agreeing with environmental protections for the site that any developer must meet.

He added: "We welcome the MOD looking again at what they might do and how to ensure this valuable community and natural space is as unaffected as possible".