Council cautious on huge homes scheme
5:00pm Thursday 13th October 2011
the jury is out on plans to develop countryside near Greenstead for 3,000 homes and a huge business park, according to a leading councillor Mersea Homes hopes to build the homes and businesses on more than 300 hectares of fields by creating a “knowledge-based hub”.
Tim Young, councillor responsible for housing and community safety, said the proposed development to the east of Colchester could bring much-needed jobs and houses to the area.
But he said he wanted to see proposals in full before he formed an opinion.
He added: “I certainly wouldn’t want to dismiss the proposals without going through the detailed plans.
“In terms of the number of jobs that it could create, we would welcome that.
“It also could create affordable housing in the area.
“We need to assess how much disruption it would cause and how close it actually is to Greenstead.
“Once we know the detail, we can make the right decision. Until then, the jury is out.”
The business area will invite research industry firms to buy land, build units and form ties with Essex University’s forthcoming Knowledge Gateway.
Architect, ADP, said it could create thousands of jobs.
A new bypass would improve road conditions by linking the A120 to the A133 and a park and ride is also among the plans submitted. Under new planning rules, Colchester Council and Tendring planning officers have to confer over large-scale developments.
Mr Young added: “The vast majority of the plans are in Tendring, so we would need to have a joint discussion between the authorities. “It would be good if we could come to an agreed view.”
Greenstead residents have expressed concern over an influx of new homes and the effect the plans would have on roads.