A PARK and ride scheme has been agreed by council bosses despite an ongoing campaign by residents to stop it.

The planning committee at Colchester Council recommended the controversial scheme at Cuckoo Farm, in Boxted Road, for approval at a meeting on Thursday.

The final decision about whether or not the proposal will go ahead will be made by Essex County Council.

Plans to build the 1,000 space car parking facility, a terminus building, an access road, new landscaping and install new lighting near to the recently constructed junction 28 on the A12 has left residents living nearby in uproar.

They claim it will have a dramatic effect on their surroundings, create light pollution, pollute a nearby brook where otters are living and create a security risk, attracting crime to their quiet area.

The planning committee unanimously agreed the scheme.

Councillor Peter Chillingworth said: “As far as this council is concerned we want the park and ride, it is just the possible effect on residents we should be concerned about.

“But Essex County Council have gone a long way to deal with the concerns of particular residents, particularly those living in Boxted Road.

“The nearest house is about 90 metres away from the development and between that there will be planting, although his will take a while to mature, but that is something I’m afraid we have to accept.”

He added: “I am happy with the proposal.”

A decision is expected to be made by planning bosses at Essex County Council next month.

For more on this story see Monday's Gazette.