Last-ditch bid to foil plan for 1,800 homes in Mile End
8:10pm Thursday 29th December 2011 in News
A LAST-DITCH effort has been lodged to stop a major housing development in Colchester’s Mile End estate.
Myland Community Council has produced a 12-page report entitled “A Stark Reality”.
It objects to Colchester Council’s decision to build on land near Chesterwell Wood.
Developer Mersea Homes wants to create 1,800 homes, two schools, a community centre and a shopping precinct on 100 hectares in Nayland Road.
The community council says the area should never have been suggested for development.
Time is running out in the fight to stop the plans, which are at the consultation stage.
An application is expected to be submitted in early 2012.
Campaigners hope the latest report will speed up a review of Colchester Council’s core strategy that outlines what land should be built on.
Pete Hewitt, community councillor who helped to produce the document, said: “The best outcome would be Colchester Council takes that land allocation out of its core strategy.
“It is going to review it next year, but it could be too late.
“That’s why we came up with this title. It is straight to the point and does not pussyfoot around.
“We want our views on the borough council’s radar now.
“This is the last piece of green space in the area.
“This is the reality and it is a stark one.”
The report highlights concerns over traffic congestion, air pollution and “detrimental’’ effects on wildlife and the lives of Mile End residents.
It has been worked on for almost a year and contains a two-page summary and a detailed look at concerns.
It was compiled by the community council’s Sustainable Community and Localism group.
Mr Hewitt concedes that although the community council opposes the plans, there is a strong possibility the development will go ahead.
He said he wants to form a working relationship with Mersea Homes so the community council could influence the development. A Stark Reality will be sent to Colchester Council and the town’s Lib Dem MP, Bob Russell, in the next few weeks.
The specifics of the paper have not been released, with councillors promising the recipients a first look before the details are made public.
Mr Hewitt has submitted personal objections to the Mersea Homes’ consultation. But the community council is yet to agree on its official stance.