Residents oppose plans for 340 co-living units in Colchester

Colchester Riverside LTD wants to demolish the empty Fairfax House and Digby House, and to part-demolish and convert Century House in North Station Road, it was revealed in June.

If approved, the plans would rebuild Digby House as a four-storey building and Fairfax House as a six-storey block, providing 340 co-living units.

The ground-floor shops at Century House would remain, while its first and second floors would become 30 private-rented flats.

London developer Elder would deliver the project.

Elder previously stressed the project would bring a "semi-derelict brownfield site back to life" and regenerate "an underused part of the city."

The plan is the first co-living scheme in Colchester with the developer saying it is the "most effective and sustainable solution" for the site.

The site (Image: NQ)

But members of the CO1 North Residents’ Association say they are concerned about the proposals.

Member Ron Suffield said: “Many people appear disillusioned with local government and local democracy these days.

“Residents living in the conservation area are expected to adhere to the council’s planning guidance, but it appears that the council may have chosen to override it. If that turns out to be the case, then it doesn't create the impression of a level playing field. Resident's options are limited.

“Our objections suggested that planning guidance has been breached but we appear to have got nowhere.

"A box has been ticked to say that the objection process took place, but we've been left unimpressed by the whole experience. Rightly or wrongly, we fear the decisions that may have been made along the way.

Sign (Image: NQ)

“The developer wants to replace Fairfax House with buildings that are even more bulky. There was a pre-planning process which included private conversations with the developer which we were not party to.

"The council now appears to be in favour of the proposal despite us being under the impression that it would reject proposals that don’t preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“There’s a feeling that more could be done to keep the site safe and well maintained. Unfortunately, there are vermin and anti-social behaviour issues.

"It feels like some issues have been left on hold until a decision has been made regarding the redevelopment. We feel that these issues should be tackled now.

"Action doesn’t have to wait on the outcome of the planning application.

Century House (Image: NQ)

Century House (Image: NQ)

“If the council give the go-ahead, many people think that this development will have a detrimental effect on the conservation area.

"It will look like a cruise liner moored in a yacht marina."

The developer said it had held extensive consultations with residents who welcomed the change from a derelict site, including the CO1 North Residents’ Association.

The association said it supports a suitable development on the site, but not this proposal.

The view from the walkway along the River Colne (Image: NQ)

The plans have attracted 45 objections and some messages of support. Colchester Civic Society and former MP Sir Bob Russell also oppose them.

Castle Ward councillor Mark Goacher called the application in for discussion by planning committee, but no meeting has taken place yet.

The document says the six-storey blocks could “be too high and will block light to gardens in Causton Road” and go against the “ethos of a conservation area”.

Chris, a group member who gave only his first name, said: “The council’s conservation area document says that proposals should not exceed three stories in height.

“Local residents aren’t rejecting the proposal out of hand.

The CO1 North Residents' Association members in front of Fairfax House (Image: NQ)

“We simply want it scaled back to three stories in height so that it fits in with the rest of the conservation area. This may reduce redevelopment profits, but it shouldn't be about that.”

Member Desmond Thomas said: “It’s not just implications for residents, and it’s not just implications for the people who would live in these new buildings, it’s the whole of Colchester really.

“Does this enclave fit what the future of Colchester is supposed to be, does it set a precedent, does it fit into the plan for the city itself for the future, I would like to know the answer.”

The developer says the shared living units will be attractive to young professionals and students recently out of university.

Vision - a concept for the development (Image: Colchester Riverside LTD/Elder)

The application has not yet been decided.

A spokesperson for Colchester Councillor said: “The planning application remains under consideration, and no decision has been made.

"It will be assessed against the Development Plan and all relevant planning policies, taking account of the representations received.

"As the local planning authority, the council must consider the application impartially and on its individual merits through the formal planning process.

“Separately, the council is aware of concerns about the current condition of the site. Planning Enforcement wrote to the applicant on 7 October asking for the site to be tidied, including the removal of waste materials and management of overgrown vegetation.

Idea - view from the south side of River Colne (Image: Colchester Riverside LTD/Elder)

"Should the condition of the land not improve, the council will consider whether further action is appropriate, including the possible use of its powers under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.”

A spokesperson for Elder said: “Colchester Riverside offers an opportunity to transform a derelict brownfield site that currently detracts from the surrounding area, delivering significant benefits for the community, local economy and city. The proposed buildings would be no higher than the existing six-storey Fairfax House.

“The development seeks to meet an identified and growing need for high-quality rental homes in Colchester, providing professionally managed accommodation for young professionals in a highly sustainable location while contributing to the council’s housing requirements.

 “The wider community would benefit from new landscaped public spaces, step-free access from North Station Road to the River Colne, a café and commercial space. Significant new tree planting and landscaping would transform the site’s appearance and create a more welcoming riverside environment. The buildings have also been designed so they do not exceed the height of the existing Fairfax House building.

Concept - an aerial view from the south over River Colne (Image: Colchester Riverside LTD/Elder)

 “The proposals have evolved through months of ongoing engagement with residents, including presentations, meetings, drop-in events and online correspondence. Feedback has informed changes to the scheme, which have been discussed with residents as the plans developed.

 “We have also consulted extensively with the council and key stakeholders. That dialogue continues, and no formal decision has been made on the application.

 “We already provide 24-hour security on site and continue to manage its condition, responding to concerns and taking action to mitigate the issues raised.”