CAMPAIGNERS and councillors have hit out at plans for 1,000 new homes at a beauty spot. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s plans for the new estate at Middlewick Ranges were discussed during an examination of Colchester Council’s Local Plan. Inspector Jameson Bridgwater was addressed on the issues relating to the controversial development by campaigners and councillors opposed to the plans. The MoD will sell The Wick for development after 2022 when firing operations move to Fingringhoe whilst Colchester Council has included the site in its Local Plan. Sir Bob Russell, Colchester High Steward, said sadly “the horse had bolted” over homes being built at The Wick.
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In a joint statement, they said:
‘The proposal to build in this area of beauty is terrible for the area of Grays which we are proud to represent. It would represent a destruction to the environment which is, quite simply, beyond the pale.
‘Of equal concern to us is the fact that a new access on Hogg Lane will need to be created. This reminds us of the shambles around the ‘Belmont Debacle’ when the Council attempted to build over Parker Road green space – which took a huge fight from us and local residents to stop.
‘We agree wholeheartedly with the concerns of Essex Field Club, Natural England and Essex Wildlife Trust regarding the damage to the environment. We wholeheartedly agree with the Council’s own Highways Department regarding the ridiculous access road. Most importantly, we totally and 100% agree with our residents that this green oasis in the middle of a densely built up area needs to be protected.
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