MM35

As said above, in my view the plan to build houses on the Wick should be scrapped completely. Please leave it as it is.

In my view, protection of nature needs to have a priority in the Middlewick Ranges. This is an unique area in Colchester, because there has been no development for many years. The 'Wick' is home to ancient trees (see https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/19204699.its-fitting-mighty-oak-wick/?fbclid=IwAR11ZxNFF4pCz-qZq9yQTw7w7I-JOOJFdyibrJAb4NTNWRW9oGtnx4AsGtQ), rare animal and plant species and an oasis for relaxation for many people in southern Colchester. Please do NOT build houses on the Wick, leave it as it is! I'm aware that such plans have been made already, but there is always a way back. There are enough houses in Colchester. We don't need an artificially created 'country park' either.

Take this area off the local plan.

1. Lack of infrastructure for the area - The roads are currently congested. More congestion will then
lead to noise and air pollution - air pollution will go against the Local Plan policy on healthy living. The
road surveys from Highways only evaluate the immediate area and do not take into account the majority
of traffic added to Mersea Road/Southway.
2. Destruction of green space and urban sprawl - Middlewick offers one of the only natural wildlife areas in the South of Colchester. It is used by people from all over the borough and services Monkwick, Old
Heath, New Town and surrounding villages. Only at the Tory conference did Boris Johnson claim there
would be no building on green spaces.
3. A late submission - This application was submitted very late on without any consultation with
residents and a lack of time for Councillors to prepare. It has not allowed time for historical, contamination
and wildlife tests and has not given the local community a chance to look at a neighbourhood plan. The
work done by the MoD on wildlife has already been questionable.
4. Wildlife - Areas of Middlewick are a site of special scientific interest due to the amount of rare species
discovered. This needs to be maintained if Colchester is determined to have a sustainable future. Essex
Wildlife Trust are against building here.
5. History - Middlewick is believed to have archaeological evidence of Neolithic and Roman
life. Colchester, as the oldest recorded town should look to make this area a place for tourism as well as
nature if it is serious about its reputation.
6. Healthy living - the local plan tries to promote healthy living. An area of natural beauty provides this by
encouraging walking, running and higher O2 levels to counter pollution. More cars will only mean greater
CO2 levels and more air pollution and possibly asthma issues for children in the future. Green spaces like
this are also proven to be good for mental health.
7. Public transport - The Local Plan talks about getting people to change their habits and use public
transport. Currently the buses are rarely used this side of town and people prefer to drive. By building a
large settlement so far away from town and any train station this trend is likely to continue and worsen.
Colchester Town Station is also not built to take any more passengers at rush hour than it currently does

Any plans for a housing development should be withdrawn, & should MOD consider they no longer have a need for the site , it should be saved as a nature reserve

It is quite clear that this land should never have been included in the local plan . There was no local consultation, surveys or test for contamination, wildlife or archaeological reports. The area already suffers from a lack of infrastructure, the roads are jammed everywhere, mornings & evenings particularly. There is no suitable alternative transport system, cycling is dangerous & it is unsafe to reach the town’s facilities that have all been provided North of the town . Middlewick provides the only green space im the locality, a place to walk , run , play , breath fresh air away from the traffic. It’s a haven for wildlife & is home to a number of rare species . It’s destruction would be a disaster for the planet , never mind the local community.

Take the wick off the plan.

Dear sir Madam, I cant justify and understand why these houses have to be built ! Colchester has gone mad with all this housing development, I live right opposite the wick and moved here just to be near the wick for my dogs, its a beautiful place to unwind, its the only green space this side of colchester, I really don't understand why the council want to destroy such an open area that people have enjoyed for decades, why do we need all these houses in Colchester?? The simple answer is we don't, so I am strongly objecting to anything being built on the beautiful peace of land.

Middlewick would be better served as a historical site for Colchester with it's Neolithic and Roman history. This could be developed alongside the nature and ares of special scientific interest - rather than houses and the accompanying extra transport which will impact the carbon footprint of the are to the detriment of local residents.

This plan supports the destruction of green space. Middlewick is one of the only natural wildlife areas in the South of Colchester and areas are home to rare species. Back in November 2020, Boris Johnson pledged £40 Million to aid Green spaces in England with the view of restoring species and combatting climate change. At the party conference Boris claimed there would be no building on green spaces, so this is a blatant case of saying one thing but doing something else.

The changes that need to be made are something to be done about the sewarage, from these extra houses the current system is not coping with the smell, Anglian Water have said they are working on this but another 1,000 houses are going to put a strain on the current system something needs to be done.

Many Years ago this land was given to the local people if you look back in the history books, then later the MOD took over the land.
This area belongs to the people,& is not really the MOD's to sell off.
It is of SSI with lots of wildlife that will be inevitably be unrepairable, this green space is taking up alot of the pollution from traffic, not to mention the grid locking that will happen.

If it is not able to be shelved completely then the infrastructure to support the increase in residents needs to be put in place before the homes are built. There also needs to be much more consideration given to the benefits of the green space and to actually see it as an asset in itself, not just a piece of land with no purpose.

To use this green space as a development site would be real shame and will bemean a huge loss of much needed green space in the area. The roads already struggle with congestion and adding more vehicles would have a huge impact on the town center. overstretched The schools and doctors surgeries are already overstretched so to add to the number of local residents would be not only poor planning but actually negligent. To proceed with this plan would be a huge disservice to the people of Colchester who trust in the council to act in our best interests.

You should set out clearly the negatives of including the Wick. (It has been played down in the text despite it being constantly highlighted and detailed by the public).ie. Ecology, environmental, lack of infrastructure, no employment nearby and removal of community amenity space.
If there are opportunities. How will neighbouring communities benefit?

The term 'opportunities' has been introduced. No evidence has been produced with certainty that there will be opportunities. It is clearly there to put a positive spin on the development. There is vague mention of school, infrastructure and community facilities without detail. I have no confidence that these will materialise. Who will get these opportunities? Not the neighbouring communities for sure.
You mention 'constraints' but don't elaborate.

Make it a country park which could be managed and looked after by Colchester Council

Traffic pollution will increase.Traffic congestion will be even worse than it already is along Mersea Road and Abbotts Road. Its hard to get doctor or dental appointments as is , it will be a lot worse with another 1000 homes. One of the only green spaces for dog walkers etc for miles.The wick should be left as it is for the community and the wildlife.

There should be no building work whatsoever, instead the area should be developed into a country park with trees being planted to encourage more wildlife and make the area of interest rather than just another blot on the landscape.
As I like many others know this survey will be a waste of time and you will just plough on with whatever you choose with no consideration to locals thoughts, but When it does go ahead I pray there are no plans for flats or student accommodation and the area becomes more like the disastrous building projects around the Hythe.

Not enough consideration is being given to the wildlife and the local residents that use the area for recreation and exercise. Although there new roads planned to lead onto the new housing, no consideration has been given as to what happens when the hundreds of new cars hit the already congested roads in the area, particularly Mersea road where it narrows to St Botolphs roundabout and bottlenecks around Abbots road and Old Heath Road. Where will the new kids go to school? No places at local schools and GP surgeries are also full.

The houses need to built elsewhere if at all.

The wick is a beutiful habbititat to many rare animals and the building of many house will cause huge congestion along the mersea and old heath roads, Colchester has many new homes but the infostructure is never ungraded to cope with so many new residents.
Affordable and social housing is never given to local residents instead it is given to people from London in this case it will be from Camden.

Would like to see it as country park.

There is a lack of infrastructure
Roads congested & in poor state
GP’ s in area oversubscribed & can get in for appointment or through on phone
Dentist in area oversubscribed
In a hot Summer , we have reduced water pressure
There is little green space this side of town

I would like to see an area of natural beauty for Colchester for all to enjoy open spaces and fresh air against the urban sprawl.

Lack of infrastructure for the area the roads are now very congested It makes it impossible to plan your times when you need to be somewhere this in turn leads to more air and noise pollution if the traffic is not moving.
The destruction of green space in the south of Colchester when we should be conserving our nature and open spaces for peoples well being.
when we have a hot summer the mains water pressure is reduced.

Make the area a country park everybody can benefit from

Infrastructure schools roads health provisions etc will not be able to cope quite apart from rare species on the wick in the way of wildlife and let's face it we need all the trees we have to combat global warming

Legally Guarantee that any homes must be carbon neutral, contain solar panels and other measures to off set the climate impact as well as ensure that new infrastructure such as schools and doctors are built to help reduce pressure

We are declaring a climate change emergency and unless it is written that these homes must be carbon zero, we will be contributing further. In addition, the infrastructure at this part of Colchester is poor and this will only contribute further to further traffic and pressure on the town.

The plan should be cancelled

I do not support or agree to Middlewick Ranges being destroyed by the building of any houses on it. We are in a climate and ecological emergency and to destroy such a site is counter to that emergency. Middlewick Ranges is an extremely important habitat for countless species and as a site, is completely irreplaceable. The Ministry of Defence has a good record for conserving such important sites and these plans go completely against that.
Please do not destroy it. Thank you

No changes just leave it as a green space.

I object to this because of the lack of infrastructure for our area. The traffic onto Mersea Road and the other way onto
Old Heath Road and subsequently the Southway is already very congested and an extra 1000 houses will mean an extra 2000 cars.
This will then lead to more air pollution which is not healthy for anybody. Please leave our one and only green space alone.

Middlewick should be removed from the Local Plan altogether. Colchester is already being over-developed. I understand that year on year, more houses are being built than have been required so, for goodness sake, just stop and take stock. If one dwelling gets built on this beautiful, natural and diverse landscape, the developers won't stop trying to concrete over every last square centimetre.

I am writing to object to the proposed 1000 houses on Middlewick (again).
As a resident in REDACTED, I am extremely concerned about the increased traffic on the roads in the local area. At peak times, it is already very congested at the Abbots Road junctions with Old Heath Road and Mersea Road; another 3-400 vehicles in the area will only compound the existing problem, and likely cause more pollution and noise. How the County Council can say there is excess capacity available on these roads is beyond me!
I am also concerned about the influx of new children to existing schools. My grand-daughter was previously unable to get into the school in her immediate catchment area because all the schools in the local area are already over-crowded. Were a new school to be built as part of the new proposed development, that would only generate even more traffic, per my previous comments, for teaching staff.
I should like to understand why it is ok to build on green space that is very well used for leisure, such as walking or running, dog walking, cycling etc. and, if it is built on, am concerned that I will need to drive somewhere else to follow these healthy outdoor pursuits – causing more congestion and air pollution.
I remember the foot and mouth outbreak several years ago, when infected cattle were buried on the site, is it safe to build human dwellings on top of, or even near, them?
Also, what other existing wildlife, flora and fauna will be destroyed as a result of the building works? Given the Global Climate Emergency and the Council’s declaration of a local Climate Emergency, it seems counter-productive and hypocritical to sanction the destruction of this established natural site. As part of the wildlife corridor between the Colne Estuary and Abberton, the area should be preserved and not destroyed.
I am given to understand that the original submission was made in a very late and hurried fashion, which means that the residents and Council have had very little time to prepare or organise protests or gather evidence to put together cohesive objections. This seems unfair, or worse, un-democratic. This is (at least) the third objection I have made in writing to this Garden Community fiasco, how many times and how many people have to say ‘enough is enough’ to this development in particular (or the over-development of our Borough in general).
Lastly, I don’t understand why the proposed location is being considered at all, when it is so far away from any of the town’s train stations or existing places of work. This means that there will be more cars, more parking problems and road congestion as people have to travel to work. And please don’t try to offset these concerns with comments regarding increased walking, cycling or public transport, because until the Borough provides enough safe routes for walking or cycling and a fast, efficient and less expensive bus service, people will just continue to use their own cars.

Any housing upon the land limited to 100 council-owned low-rent/affordable dwellings.
The remaining land kept as a natural haven and parkland - very much needed when juxtaposed to already densely developed communities.
The benefits of parklands have been known for centuries - a lesson not to be dismissed for cash.

The land should not have been considered for housing - especially for 1000 homes. Even a small development of would add to the mains services which have been under considerable stress for decades before many of the recent housing developments to the south of Colchester. The transport network has also been stretched to cope with additional loads due to these housing developments. Where a borough council does not have the financial resources to maintain the infrastructure surrounding the town (and hasn't for decades), adding to the problem makes no sense.

The whole plan should be scrapped. It should become a country park.

1. Lack of infrastructure for the area.
Roads currently congested more congestion more noise and pollution which goes against the Local Plan policy on healthy living. Road surveys from Highways only evaluate the immediate area and do not take into account the majority of traffic from Mersea Road and Southway.
2. Destruction of green space, and urban sprawl.
Middlewich offers the only natural wildlife areas in the south of Colchester. Used by people from all over the Borough and services Monkwick, Old Heath, New Town and surrounding villages. Only at the Tory conference did Boris Johnson claim there would be no building on green spaces.
3. Late submission.
This application was submitted late without any consultation with residents and a lack of time for councillors to prepare. No time for historical, contamination, and wildlife tests and has not given the local community to look at the neighbourhood plan. The work done by the MOD on wildlife has been questionable.
4. Wildlife.
Areas of Middlewick are a site of special scientific interest due to the amount of rare species discovered. This needs to be maintained if Colchester is determined to have a sustainable future. Essex Wildlife Trust are against building here.
5. History.
Middlewick is believed to have archaeological evidence of Neolithic and Roman life. Colchester as the oldest recorded town should look to make this a place for tourism as well as naturism if it is serious about its reputation.
6. Healthy living.
The local plan tries to promote healthy living. An area of natural beauty provides this by encouraging walking, running and higher O2 levels to counter pollution and asthma issues for children in the future. Green spaces like this are also proven to be good for mental health.

7. Public transport.
The local Plan talks about getting people to change their habits and use public transport. Currently the buses are rarely used this side of town and people prefer to drive. By building a large settlement so far away from town and any train station this trend is likely to continue and worse. Colchester Town Station is also not built to take anymore passengers at rush than it currently does.

Reduce the number of planned houses by a significant number
Scrap this part of the plan entirely
create a bypass to the A12 / A120

I live in the area that borders the wick, I am concerned about the lack of infrastructure (GP, schools, transport / traffic infrastructure). In particular there is no through road to the A12 / A120. This will cause the road network to grind to a halt and it will be like rush hour all day, every day and is contrary to the councils push for a cleaner environment. The park and ride and the main train station is on the other side of town and the only way to access shops etc is by car. We will also lose a valuable green space that was a benefit for so many during lock down, and with it the bio diversity of the area. The development of this site appears to be contrary to the Local Plan on healthy living as the loss of the wick will increase the pressure on the road networks, reduce green space, lead to higher co2 levels, increased pollution and associated respiratory conditions.

No building houses here

There is far too much traffic for the area
All the wildlife would be lost
We would have no green area to walk
All the wild flowers would be lost
A 1000 house would cause so much distressed to the ares.

To develop this side of Colchester with more houses and more traffic can not be a sensible or credible scheme. There are no roads that can access the town centre or major arteries other than Mersea Road and Old Heath Road. Both of these are already full to bursting point. They can not be Improved or widened without bulldozing existing historic and residential buildings. Increasing the volume of traffic would be disastrous. Changes to the plan are so simple, another 1000 houses built on this valuable green site are not needed, - abandon it.

Middlewick is surrounded by housing on all sides. It is used daily by many people for recreation and provides an escape from the choking restrictions of Colchester town centre caused by a lack of real green policies over a number of years. It also provides a safe have haven for all manner of flora and fauna. To close it down would be disastrous to the wellbeing of those people and animals who enjoy the freedom it provides. To replace it with 1000 houses without due regard to the effects on the infrastructure of the whole area would be criminal.

The plan is rushed and unsound. My comments are on biodiversity alone. I also object to many other areas with regards to this development. There needs to be absolute cast iron proof that a gain of 10% (at least) biodiversity will be a consequence of this development. With no loss to any living or protected species.If the development goes ahead no building should be considered/allowed until biodiversity migration is verified by a independent ecologist.

Middlewick Ranges should not have been put into the plan in the first place. This was rushed into the plan without following the process. It has already been identified that 2000 homes were too many, with the proposed figure being changed to up to a 1000 dwellings. As the process was not followed correctly, I find the plan unsound.
A particular concern of mine with the deeply flawed plan is
Biodiversity and Wildlife -
Net gain of 10% biodiversity. Concreting over a designated local wildlife site and disturbing protected species such as acid grassland is not achievable. How can the plan be effective, or consistent with national policy? In addition to it not being achievable, if there is concern or reason to believe there is a high presence of protected species living/on Middlewick then why wasn’t an ecology surgery accompanied with the application that assesses their whereabouts and needs of these species with any due diligence to show the mitigation hierarchy has been followed? Is this based on proportionate evidence or positively prepared?
In a few short paragraphs I believe I have highlighted that the plan does not demonstrate any of the four tests of soundness in the NFPP.

Not to go ahead. I feel that the area is currently built up enough. I don't think the roads could cope with the additional traffic and the roads are currently in poor condition. The area would become overcrowded, there would be a lack of green space for walking and wildlife habitats, not to mention increased noise levels and higher pollution levels.

Lack of infrastructure for the area.

Roads are currently congested and in poor condition.

Higher Noise levels and pollution.

Lack of green space and effect on wildlife.

There should not be any developement on this site at all. It should be preserved as a wild life reserve. A place for people to be able to walk, get excercise.

The present situation of climate change, the fact that Boris Johnson has said green sites should be preserved and that we are hosting COP26, should be enough to stop this going ahead. There are many species of flora and fauna on this site and is a much loved open space in this considerably built up area. The air quality in Colchester does not meet with the current specifications and this is a green lung on a very polluted Mersea Road. People living here will not use public transport, most people will use their cars. Climate change is happening now.

To remove Middlewick Ranges from any form of development proposal.

I want to object to development of Middlewick Ranges on a number of grounds:
1. Road infrastructure locally is insufficient to cope with the extra traffic generated. One of the main roads which would struggle to cope is the northern end of Mersea Road where air quality is already dangerously poor.

2. We cannot afford to lose such a unique habitat and SSSI in a climate and biodiversity crisis. Essex Wildlife Trust opposes the development for these reasons and I agree with them!

3. Building on this site will rob south Colchester of a healthy living amenity; Colchester Borough Council is looking to encourage walking and cycling for mental and physical health as well as the resulting environmental benefits. Many people have discovered the beauty of the site during recent lockdowns and now regularly enjoy the benefits of walking and cycling around the site.

4. The application was submitted very late and there has been insufficient time for adequate historical, contamination and wildlife surveys. Work already done by the MOD has been widely discredited.

5. It is disingenuous to suggest the site is well served by public transport since the ‘nearest train station at Wivenhoe’ is on the other side of the River Colne and local bus services have been cut significantly in the past 5 years.

I would like to see this area managed as a country park

There is far too much building going on around Old Heath, the road and infrastructure cannot cope with it now, let alone after further expansion. People also need green space within easy walking distance of their home for both physical and mental health

It is a simple answer to this - IT SHOULD NOT GO AHEAD

The transport infrastructure is insufficient for current volumes , let alone for a further 1000 homes. Which will further be worsened by the new Sainsburys at the former B&Q site.
It will greatly reduce the available green space in the area which will then only encourage people to drive further afield for exercise , dog walking etc.. Is this not against what the current objectives & goals.
What about the wildlife that live there.
And how wrong was the late submission giving little time for objections or preparation.
I doubt this will change the outcome !!!!

The plan to build housing needs to be scrapped completely. Middlewick Ranges should be left alone, or turned into a country park, this would benefit the local and wider community as well as the ecosystem.

Middlewick Ranges is an ecologically and scentifically significant site. there are not many places like it left, and none other in the local area. It is home to rare flora and fauna and should be protected at all costs.
The local infrastructure does not support more housing to be built - there would be significant negative impact on traffic, pollution and general quality of life to both new and existing residents. All local schools are already over subscribed. Hospital and surgeries are already struggling to cope. There are not enough local jobs to support more housing.