Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 11377
Received: 09/12/2025
Respondent: Mr Community Campaigner David Barton
Representations are being made with a view to supporting economic growth through the merits of High-Quality style Conservation with the hope of encouraging wider constructive and restorative support through positive and constructive working. It is submitted that TVA should play a key part in any and all policy moving forwards on the grounds of conferring practical benefits be these periodic maintenance, their perceived support from the public, their invaluable contribution to achieving Climate Crisis Targets set local, nationally and internationally alongside their overall cost-effectiveness to key stakeholders alike in terms of Planning and sourcing of raw materials.
as previous
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 11467
Received: 15/12/2025
Respondent: Ms Donna Nevill
I object to this application aa follows:-
- proposed access onto the road creates a highway safety hazard.
- the Impact on the environment trees/drainage. Wildlife & its habitat needs protecting
- Strain on local services already at bursting.
- Overdevelopment of area schools and health - town cramming
Drainage & flooding the development doesn’t address surface water drainage & risk to flooding existing properties
I object to this application aa follows:-
- proposed access onto the road creates a highway safety hazard.
- the Impact on the environment trees/drainage. Wildlife & its habitat needs protecting
- Strain on local services already at bursting.
- Overdevelopment of area schools and health - town cramming
Drainage & flooding the development doesn’t address surface water drainage & risk to flooding existing properties
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 11489
Received: 16/12/2025
Respondent: Mrs Julie Gillott
Applicants must demonstrate they have confirmed with Anglian Water Services that treatment capacity at the Water Recycling Centre is available to serve the development at the point of anticipated connection and where appropriate agree to phasing triggers to support development; Anglian Water have stated that they cant cope with anymore new builds using their current sewage system. In Langham they have a sewage problem and overflow is flooding into streams and waterways!
Applicants must demonstrate they have confirmed with Anglian Water Services that treatment capacity at the Water Recycling Centre is available to serve the development at the point of anticipated connection and where appropriate agree to phasing triggers to support development; Anglian Water have stated that they cant cope with anymore new builds using their current sewage system. In Langham they have a sewage problem and overflow is flooding into streams and waterways!
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 11561
Received: 20/12/2025
Respondent: Mr David Black
main concern is the safety and health of children and elderly residents in their small Close, as heavy, polluting construction vehicles pose a serious accident risk. Additionally, since the road is not council-adopted, any damage would fall on residents. While they support the need for affordable housing, they strongly recommend that access to site PP43 should be via Armoury Road near Bradbook Cottages, even if it requires removing some old trees, as this route offers safer and more practical access for heavy vehicles.
visited the ‘Shape Colchester’ consultation room today and was helped by Shelley. She
was was professional and patient. I have registered today as requested, but wanted to
provide some photo evidence to support my email this morning. To repeat, my main
concern is for the safety & health of the many children & elderly that live in this small
Close. Bringing heavy, polluting plant through this Close is an accident waiting to
happen. In addition this road is not adopted by the Council so any damage caused by
heavy vehicles may be the responsibility of the residents. I understand the need for
more housing, especially affordable housing, but the access to PP43 should only be via
Armoury Road, close to Bradbook Cottages. I realise this might mean a few old trees
may need to remove, which is sad, but it would be preferable to a fatal accident in our
Close. The houses in Armoury Road are set much further back than is possible in our
Close, which would allow better access for heavy plant vehicles. I hope this helps the
Planning Process
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 11983
Received: 06/01/2026
Respondent: Ed Pope
This proposal is an unnecessary addition to large numbers of new dwellings that have been/and continue to be constructed during the last three years. This proposed site also requires access via a privately owned and maintained road. Despite the new dwellings, no additional infrastructure/services have appeared in West Bergholt. Recent developments have impacted the local water table affecting pitch preparation at the cricket club and thus reducing the number and quality of games played. This proposed site would have further impacts. Citing of near to 100 dwellings in this location appears to be overcrowding relative to the village character.
This proposal is an unnecessary addition to large numbers of new dwellings that have been/and continue to be constructed during the last three years. This proposed site also requires access via a privately owned and maintained road. Despite the new dwellings, no additional infrastructure/services have appeared in West Bergholt. Recent developments have impacted the local water table affecting pitch preparation at the cricket club and thus reducing the number and quality of games played. This proposed site would have further impacts. Citing of near to 100 dwellings in this location appears to be overcrowding relative to the village character.
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12554
Received: 11/01/2026
Respondent: Mia Gorman
The land behind William Sims Close is full of wildlife: deer, pheasants, partridges, rabbits, foxes and much more; it’s a perfect ecosystem and to destroy this to build houses would be heartbreaking.
William Sims Close already struggles with overcrowding from parking, so to add 100 new homes would cause complete chaos.
Also, there are already houses up for sale on this road which have struggled to sell, some have been listed and then removed after no interest. There’s also never a shortage of houses in West Bergholt on Rightmove, including the current Rose Development, so 100 more houses won’t sell.
The land behind William Sims Close is full of wildlife: deer, pheasants, partridges, rabbits, foxes and much more; it’s a perfect ecosystem and to destroy this to build houses would be heartbreaking.
William Sims Close already struggles with overcrowding from parking, so to add 100 new homes would cause complete chaos.
Also, there are already houses up for sale on this road which have struggled to sell, some have been listed and then removed after no interest. There’s also never a shortage of houses in West Bergholt on Rightmove, including the current Rose Development, so 100 more houses won’t sell.
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12569
Received: 11/01/2026
Respondent: Mrs Emma Gorman
We do not feel there is a need for more housing to be built in West Bergholt. There is currently a Rose Builders site being built and these need to sell first. There are also many houses still for sale in the area which aren’t selling quickly,
We do not feel there is a need for more housing to be built in West Bergholt. There is currently a Rose Builders site being built and these need to sell first. There are also many houses still for sale in the area which aren’t selling quickly,
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12634
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: Mrs Sally Fox
I write to object to housing proposed for West Bergholt on land north of Colchester Road. The village cannot cope with more houses, cars, people as the infrastructure is not there to support it. Colchester Road already has 2 building sites going on and access from these sites is extremely dangerous. Bergholt Road cannot cope. The hospital cannot cope now never mind with even more people accessing their health options. Anglian Water already say they cannot support more housing in this area. The hospital cannot cope now never mind with even more people accessing their health options.
I write to object to housing proposed for West Bergholt on land north of Colchester Road. The village cannot cope with more houses, cars, people as the infrastructure is not there to support it. Colchester Road already has 2 building sites going on and access from these sites is extremely dangerous. Bergholt Road cannot cope. The hospital cannot cope now never mind with even more people accessing their health options. Anglian Water already say they cannot support more housing in this area. The hospital cannot cope now never mind with even more people accessing their health options.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12668
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: Mr Keith Henrick
My house is located at the front of the proposed development and adjacent to Hopkins Home existing site. When the first site was planned there were to be bungalows along the side of our property. This was later changed ( minor amendment ) without advice to ourselves. We now have two storey houses completely overlooking our rear garden and complete loss of privacy. I would like the new development to be bungalows adjacent to our rear boundary rather than two storey homes looking directly into the rear of my home.
My house is located at the front of the proposed development and adjacent to Hopkins Home existing site. When the first site was planned there were to be bungalows along the side of our property. This was later changed ( minor amendment ) without advice to ourselves. We now have two storey houses completely overlooking our rear garden and complete loss of privacy. I would like the new development to be bungalows adjacent to our rear boundary rather than two storey homes looking directly into the rear of my home.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12716
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
The three allocations in this area, including the land south of White Hart Lane and the adjacent sites, will have a significant cumulative impact on the rural landscape and the nearby village, particularly the allocation off the B1508. A positive trade‑off is essential. The wooded, green character of the area and the presence of two nearby livery yards highlight the need for safe, off‑road access. Together, the three allocations create a clear opportunity to deliver a strategic multi‑user route around and between the developments, linking Footpaths 7 and 4 and supporting walkers, cyclists, equestrians and the rural economy.
The three allocations in this area, including the land south of White Hart Lane and the adjacent sites, will have a significant cumulative impact on the rural landscape and the nearby village, particularly the allocation off the B1508. A positive trade‑off is essential. The wooded, green character of the area and the presence of two nearby livery yards highlight the need for safe, off‑road access. Together, the three allocations create a clear opportunity to deliver a strategic multi‑user route around and between the developments, linking Footpaths 7 and 4 and supporting walkers, cyclists, equestrians and the rural economy.
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12825
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, particularly the statement that “All development Proposals within West Bergholt parish, will also be determined against the policies in the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan where they are up to date and relevant”.
It should be noted that the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan states “In the design of sites A & B, consideration may be given to how adjacent land could at some future point be accessed to provide further land for subsequent housing needs in future Neighbourhood Plan publications”, as evidenced in West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, paragraph 15.5.2, and Policy PP9.
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, particularly the statement that “All development Proposals within West Bergholt parish, will also be determined against the policies in the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan where they are up to date and relevant”.
It should be noted that the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan states “In the design of sites A & B, consideration may be given to how adjacent land could at some future point be accessed to provide further land for subsequent housing needs in future Neighbourhood Plan publications”, as evidenced in West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, paragraph 15.5.2, and Policy PP9.
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12826
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
WBPC supports this policy but considers that slightly more than 100 new dwellings may be required on this site as evidence indicates that the Policy PP44 site (Land off Colchester Road, West Bergholt) is unlikely to comply with other relevant policies (particularly ST3 and ST4) and will be unavailable. (Please also see the WBPC responses to Policy ST5.)
Based on the ‘West Bergholt Housing Needs Survey’ and associated densities, a small increase in numbers appears feasible. See WBPC’s Neighbourhood Plan PP9, paragraph 15.4.1, and WBPC’s Housing Needs Survey, pages 2 and 3 as evidence. Also Housing Need and Density Report.
WBPC supports this policy but considers that slightly more than 100 new dwellings may be required on this site as evidence indicates that the Policy PP44 site (Land off Colchester Road, West Bergholt) is unlikely to comply with other relevant policies (particularly ST3 and ST4) and will be unavailable. (Please also see the WBPC responses to Policy ST5.)
Based on the ‘West Bergholt Housing Needs Survey’ and associated densities, a small increase in numbers appears feasible. See WBPC’s Neighbourhood Plan PP9, paragraph 15.4.1, and WBPC’s Housing Needs Survey, pages 2 and 3 as evidence. Also Housing Need and Density Report.
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12829
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council generally supports this policy but would propose the following amendment as evidenced by RCCE West Bergholt Housing Needs Survey (November 2025), see pages 2 and 3.
a) Approximately 112 new dwellings of tenure and bedroom size mix as evidenced in the RCCE West Bergholt Housing Needs Survey (November 2025) and the still relevant elements of the adopted West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan and which is compatible with surrounding development.
See WBPC’s Housing Need and Density Report and Minutes of Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting 07/01/2026 as evidence.
West Bergholt Parish Council generally supports this policy but would propose the following amendment as evidenced by RCCE West Bergholt Housing Needs Survey (November 2025), see pages 2 and 3.
a) Approximately 112 new dwellings of tenure and bedroom size mix as evidenced in the RCCE West Bergholt Housing Needs Survey (November 2025) and the still relevant elements of the adopted West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan and which is compatible with surrounding development.
See WBPC’s Housing Need and Density Report and Minutes of Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting 07/01/2026 as evidence.
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12832
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy as evidenced in West Bergholt’s Housing Needs Survey 2025. Pages 2 and 3, and considers that the following should be added:
"The development should be single and two storey buildings consisting of one or more short terraces of one-bedroom houses or small blocks of one-bedroom flats, short terraces or semi-detached two-bedroom bungalows and houses, semi-detached and detached three-bedroom bungalows and a few slightly larger houses.”
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy as evidenced in West Bergholt’s Housing Needs Survey 2025. Pages 2 and 3, and considers that the following should be added:
"The development should be single and two storey buildings consisting of one or more short terraces of one-bedroom houses or small blocks of one-bedroom flats, short terraces or semi-detached two-bedroom bungalows and houses, semi-detached and detached three-bedroom bungalows and a few slightly larger houses.”
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12833
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy and considers and considers that the following should be added:
"Private amenity space should be designed towards the minimum sizes set out in Policy PC8."
As evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15/12/2025 and the Housing Need and Density Report.
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy and considers and considers that the following should be added:
"Private amenity space should be designed towards the minimum sizes set out in Policy PC8."
As evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15/12/2025 and the Housing Need and Density Report.
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12835
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to improvements to Heathlands School.”
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to improvements to Heathlands School.”
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12838
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to improving the capacity of the doctor's surgery in West Bergholt.”
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to improving the capacity of the doctor's surgery in West Bergholt.”
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12841
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
WBPC supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to improving road safety in West Bergholt.”
See also traffic photos and Safe Crossing Evidence.
WBPC supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to improving road safety in West Bergholt.”
See also traffic photos and Safe Crossing Evidence.
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12842
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum to be agreed with CCC to improve the open space/amenity area and/or sports facilities in West Bergholt and to improve community buildings in West Bergholt.”
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum to be agreed with CCC to improve the open space/amenity area and/or sports facilities in West Bergholt and to improve community buildings in West Bergholt.”
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12844
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to ensure no property shall be occupied until West Bergholt's WRC has sufficient capacity to deal with all wastewater that it receives.”
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to ensure no property shall be occupied until West Bergholt's WRC has sufficient capacity to deal with all wastewater that it receives.”
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12847
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to ensure all roads within the development are designated as 20mph.”
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy, as evidenced in West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15th December 2025, and considers that the following should be added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, by an appropriate legal agreement, prior to the commencement of works the developer of every new home in West Bergholt shall contribute a sum (in addition to any other planning obligation or standard charge) to be agreed with CCC to ensure all roads within the development are designated as 20mph.”
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12849
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy but, to prevent misunderstanding and concern the first sentence in c) should be amended to “Provide a safe pedestrian access to ensure connectivity within and throughout the site to existing public footways and any public rights of way”.
See West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15/12/2026.
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy but, to prevent misunderstanding and concern the first sentence in c) should be amended to “Provide a safe pedestrian access to ensure connectivity within and throughout the site to existing public footways and any public rights of way”.
See West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15/12/2026.
Support
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 12850
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: West Bergholt Parish Council
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy but, as the result of a Parish Consultation session, suggests the following addition:
“Development layout to ensure that only single storey dwellings are positioned adjacent to the ‘Garthwood Close’ site boundary to reduce overlooking existing properties.”
See West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15/12/2026.
West Bergholt Parish Council supports this policy but, as the result of a Parish Consultation session, suggests the following addition:
“Development layout to ensure that only single storey dwellings are positioned adjacent to the ‘Garthwood Close’ site boundary to reduce overlooking existing properties.”
See West Bergholt PC Summary of Local Meeting 15/12/2026.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 13158
Received: 13/01/2026
Respondent: Mr Sam Lees
A sustainable housing strategy should focus growth in accessible settlements like West Bergholt, rather than spreading development across small villages with limited services. Although the Local Plan identifies West Bergholt for growth, it also proposes housing in unsustainable locations. Redirecting development to better served communities would support existing services and reduce reliance on cars. Land off Valley Crescent in West Bergholt offers a strong alternative, which in part already has a Council resolution for planning permission, the wider site proposed could provide up to 35 homes as a logical settlement extension, aligning with national policy and the Council’s spatial strategy.
The respondent acknowledges that the Preferred Options Local Plan makes significant provision for additional housing in West Bergholt, which is wholly consistent with the Council’s Spatial Strategy. Policy ST3, which directs housing growth to the most sustainable and accessible locations, of which West Bergholt is one. However, Policy ST3 also provides housing growth in a number of small settlements, such as Fingringhoe, Dedham Heath, Birch, Messing, Peldon and Aldham, on the premiss that allocations in these villages can help support the long-term viability of services and facilities, which may otherwise be lost. It should be noted however, that the small villages chosen for growth, do not already have good levels of services and in some case, there are no existing services or facilities to protect. Therefore, the proposed growth in these locations is unjustified and they are inherently unsustainable locations for housing growth.
The respondent is of the view that a more sustainable approach as envisaged by the Spatial Strategy would be to delete the proposed housing allocations in Fingringhoe, Dedham Heath, Birch, Messing, Peldon and Aldham and replace the quantum of housing directed to these villages to more sustainable settlements, which have a better range of services and where growth can genuinely assist in supporting the long-term viability of existing services and facilities and where occupiers of new housing can access a wider range of services and facilities without the need to travel by car.
The respondent has land off Valley Crescent in West Bergholt where a resolution has already been passed by the Council’s Planning Committee to grant outline planning permission for up to 7 residential units. This development site is capable of being expanded to an area of approximately 1.5 ha, which can accommodate up to 35 dwellings on the southern edge of the existing settlement boundary of West Bergholt. Attached to these representations is a masterplan layout and context plan that illustrate the site’s location and a possible residential scheme of 35 dwellings.
Evidenced by the fact that the Planning Committee has resolved to grant permission on part of the site already, the wider site must be considered to be sustainable in its location and acceptable in principle. Allocation of this land for housing in what is a more sustainable location than the 229 dwellings proposed across a range of small sites in less sustainable settlements is a more appropriate allocation having regard to national planning policy and the Council’s spatial strategy.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 13526
Received: 14/01/2026
Respondent: Boyer
Hopkins Homes are pleased to see that the Council has identified the land north of
Colchester Road as a site-specific allocation and included Policy PP43 within the Preferred
Options consultation draft.
We agree with the Council that the site is a suitable location for future residential
development and can be delivered within the plan period to make a significant contribution to
housing delivery and meeting the housing needs of Colchester.
Please see attached document for the rest of our representations.
Hopkins Homes are pleased to see that the Council has identified the land north of
Colchester Road as a site-specific allocation and included Policy PP43 within the Preferred
Options consultation draft.
We agree with the Council that the site is a suitable location for future residential
development and can be delivered within the plan period to make a significant contribution to
housing delivery and meeting the housing needs of Colchester.
Please see attached document for the rest of our representations.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 13666
Received: 14/01/2026
Respondent: NEEB Holdings Ltd
Agent: Popham Planning Consultants
There appear to be no fundamental issues with this site. However, Land north of Colchester Road and east of Maltings Park Road, West Bergholt (site submitted: 7 March 2025 by NEEB Holdings Ltd, grid reference: TL 96887 27560, site area: 2.5 hectares) should also be allocated. This site could deliver 50 dwellings and more than 40% open space.
Land north of Colchester Road and east of Maltings Park Road can provide onsite waste water treatment so it is not limited by the capacity issues at West Bergholt WRC. It can therefore be delivered early in the plan period.
There appear to be no fundamental issues with this site. However, Land north of Colchester Road and east of Maltings Park Road, West Bergholt (site submitted: 7 March 2025 by NEEB Holdings Ltd, grid reference: TL 96887 27560, site area: 2.5 hectares) should be allocated in addition. Detailed site assessment work shows that this site could deliver 50 dwellings and more than 40% open space.
Land north of Colchester Road and east of Maltings Park Road, West Bergholt can provide onsite waste water treatment so it is not limited by the capacity issues at West Bergholt Water Recycling Centre. It can therefore be delivered early in the plan period with no environmental issues.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 13774
Received: 14/01/2026
Respondent: Colchester Borough Councillor
West Bergholt Parish Council has undertaken extensive work to deliver the best response possible in the circumstances given the imposition of housing targets on Colchester City Council by Government and the prospect of enforcement by Government should the authority not deliver its required allocation.
As Lexden and Braiswick ward councillor, I support West Bergholt Parish Council's position which is to protect West Bergholt from coalescence with the city boundary by preserving the countryside that currently divides it.
However, if ST3 used appropriate methodology, see my objection, then alternative urban sites would be preferred saving villages and green fields from over-development.
West Bergholt Parish Council has undertaken extensive work to deliver the best response possible in the circumstances given the imposition of housing targets on Colchester City Council by Government and the prospect of enforcement by Government should the authority not deliver its required allocation.
As Lexden and Braiswick ward councillor, I support West Bergholt Parish Council's position which is to protect West Bergholt from coalescence with the city boundary by preserving the countryside that currently divides it.
However, if ST3 used appropriate methodology, see my objection, then alternative urban sites would be preferred saving villages and green fields from over-development.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 13846
Received: 14/01/2026
Respondent: Anglian Water Services
Agent: Anglian Water Services
Anglian Water supports policy criteria for these sites to mitigate flood and pollution risks through SuDS, water efficiency, and wastewater treatment capacity with phasing where necessary. These measures are essential to ensure sustainable development and protect infrastructure capacity, particularly given concerns about West Bergholt WRC noted under Policy. New developments must provide separate foul and stormwater drainage networks and ensure surface water attenuation and discharge per the drainage hierarchy. Anglian Water requests inclusion of a clause stating: “Development must not discharge surface water to the foul water network” and policy wording in NZ3 to safeguard access to existing sewerage infrastructure.
See attachment with detailed comments on numerous policies. Anglian Water welcomes the opportunity to contribute comments on the Draft
Local Plan for Colchester City Council. We consider that the Plan is well set out with in relation
to managing flood risk, surface water and wastewater, and enabling water efficiency. We
recognise the challenges for meeting the uplift in housing requirements and the
infrastructure required to help deliver future growth across the district, with the main
focus being Colchester and the larger towns.
We have raised some policy matters relating to consistency between policies addressing surface
water flood risk, water supply, and wastewater, and how these matters are attributed to site
allocation policies.
We look forward to continuing our positive and proactive discussions with the Council in
respect of our comments and the next iteration of the Local Plan, including supporting updates
to the evidence base if required
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 14015
Received: 15/01/2026
Respondent: Mr David Russell
The development of this field was supposed to be put on hold for 15 to 20 years its outrageous can be ignored and overruled.
The proposed development of this field (Gladman Homes)was rejected a few years ago because it was outside the village plan(October 2019) Gladman Homes appealed twice against this and on both occasions their appeals failed for very good reason. There is already a great deal of development going on in West Bergholt. The village is full capacity. The School the Doctors Surgery and Pharmacy are struggling to cope, Anglian Water may well have difficulty with dealing with water supplies and sewage Any traffic from the North of Colchester West Bergholt, Braiswick, Mile End has to pass under the railway bridge at North Station which is often gridlocked. A proper development of local infrastructure needs to take place before hundreds of new homes are built here.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Representation ID: 14403
Received: 13/01/2026
Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign
The village needs cycle connections to Great Horkesley, provideing a link to the Horkesley route to Trinity School.
A cycle link over the A12, either by altering the existing road bridge or a new cycle/foot bridge on the line of Footpath 39.
Routes southwards and eastwards should include 1) into Westhouse Wood, crossing Baker’s Lane and tying into the park and Apprentice Drive; 2) towards Chesterwell cutting across the north of the golf course and/or 3 the creation of a cycleway to the present Beauty at the Bay store on Bergholt Road, Colchester, giving access to Chesterwell and Trinity School.
See Full Submission attachment