Colchester: new plans to demolish Gamet Bearings Factory

The Gamet Bearings Factory, in Hythe Station Road, Colchester, fell into disrepair and became a hotspot for antisocial behaviour after it closed in 2019.

It had been in operation for nearly 70 years, but the factory was closed after being bought by rival firm, HB Bearings.

Site - the former Gamet Bearings factory (Image: Newsquest)

The 1.1 hectare site, which is made up of a large industrial building, a two storey office and outside space, went to auction in 2020.

Over the years the site had been prone to broken windows, damage and fires. 

In April 2021 it a £2million pound cannabis farm was discovered. 

Awful - inside Gamet Bearings factory when it was being used as a cannabis farm (Image: Essex Police)

Last year, Essex Police confirmed people were living inside the former factory after officers found bedding and other personal items during searches of the building.

In October, the Colchester Council’s Planning Committee voted for the demolition of the building which is set to be replaced by 65 one- and two-bedroom apartments, two commercial units, and underground parking.

The green lit apartments plan is by Star Affinity Limited.

But after months of silence, a new planning application has been sent to the council by Robert Pommery of Pomery Planning Consultants Ltd to demolish the building.

The application said it will demolish the factory “in order to remedy the building’s harmful impact on local amenity.”

It also says that any material will be “crushed and reused” in the new planned development or “disposed of for recycling.”

Helping plans move forward - Councillor Tim Young

Greenstead Ward Councillor Tim Young thinks demolishing the factory is “absolutely” overdue.

He said: "It was me who forced the issue by emailing the planning department recently with photos and demanding they get onto the developer.

“It’s an eyesore and, at least if it’s flattened, it will look better than it does now."