James Cracknell brands Colchester Middlewick Ranges plans 'abhorrent'

Middlewick Ranges, in Colchester, has been earmarked for a huge housing development which has long proved controversial. 

Many fear building on the land, which is still owned by the Ministry of Defence, could prove detrimental to its “ecological uniqueness”.

Colchester’s Labour councillors, including general election candidate Pam Cox, held a protest off Abbot’s Road on Tuesday to demand defence minister Grant Shapps save the site.

James Cracknell, Colchester's Conservative parliamentary candidate, has now also thrown his support behind calls to save the Wick.

Support - James Cracknell, Colchester's Conservative parliamentary candidate, wants to save the Wick (Image: PA)
He said: "As a new resident to Colchester, it is plainly clear Middlewick ranges is the last remaining green lung of south Colchester.

“The city council has been over-building year on year for over a decade against Government set housing targets, by up to 30 per cent, without necessary infrastructure to support.

Intervene - Campaigners and Colchester's labour councillors at Abbot's Road said the defence minister could intervene and 'save' the site (Image: Newsquest)

“Building on Middlewick would be an abhorrent prospect that will gridlock south Colchester with congestion, place unnecessary pressure on our already overstretched dental, medical and education services in this area."

“Its market value and appeal to future developers has been guaranteed by its inclusion in the city council Local Plan and housing projection for 1,000 homes.

“Let's now take the Wick out of local political tennis, electioneering and showboating, and finally do what residents want and save its ecological uniqueness as the last remaining active lifestyle greenspace in South Colchester.”

Protest - 'Save the Wick' protesters outside City Hall in February protesting against the council (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking previously, Colchester Council leader, David King, moved to reassure residents and those with concerns. 

He 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.

"We have negotiated a reduction from 2,000 to 1,000 homes if it is developed and agreed with environmental protections for the site that any developer must meet.

"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."