Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
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Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP32: Land North of Halstead Road and West of Fiddlers Wood Eight Ash Green
Representation ID: 11519
Received: 17/12/2025
Respondent: Colchester Natural History Society
Fiddlers Wood is a protected ancient wood. Planning Application 251310 already exists for a site that abuts the woodland. CNHS objected to the development until clarity can be provided on how proposed generous BNG figures will actually provide for the species that are recorded as using the development site.
Fiddlers Wood is a protected ancient wood. Planning Application 251310 already exists for a site that abuts the woodland. CNHS objected to the development until clarity can be provided on how proposed generous BNG figures will actually provide for the species that are recorded as using the development site.
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP29: Land East of School Road, Copford
Representation ID: 11520
Received: 17/12/2025
Respondent: Colchester Natural History Society
The site may have detrimental effect on Gravelpit Wood Local; Wildlife Site. Should development go ahead the Wood should be protected by a significant buffer zone to protect its integrity and misuse. CNHS is also concerned at the proximity of the Roman River which has SSSI protection further downstream. The valley's biodiversity value should not be threatened by developments upstream that downgrade water quality. Attention is drawn to the 2019 publication 'Roman River Valley Living Landscape' a report by CNHS and Essex Wildlife Trust.
The site may have detrimental effect on Gravelpit Wood Local; Wildlife Site. Should development go ahead the Wood should be protected by a significant buffer zone to protect its integrity and misuse. CNHS is also concerned at the proximity of the Roman River which has SSSI protection further downstream. The valley's biodiversity value should not be threatened by developments upstream that downgrade water quality. Attention is drawn to the 2019 publication 'Roman River Valley Living Landscape' a report by CNHS and Essex Wildlife Trust.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP10: Land South of Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester
Representation ID: 11521
Received: 17/12/2025
Respondent: Colchester Natural History Society
This regarded as a potentially significant site. It is within the Roman River Valley (RRV) conservation zone as was, and Colchester Council does recognise the significance of the RRV. It is also between the sensitive sites of Gosbecks and Friday Woods. For these reasons CNHS would strongly advocate a thorough, 12 months, independent ecological examination of the proposed site.
This regarded as a potentially significant site. It is within the Roman River Valley (RRV) conservation zone as was, and Colchester Council does recognise the significance of the RRV. It is also between the sensitive sites of Gosbecks and Friday Woods. For these reasons CNHS would strongly advocate a thorough, 12 months, independent ecological examination of the proposed site.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP9: North-East Colchester
Representation ID: 11522
Received: 17/12/2025
Respondent: Colchester Natural History Society
It is noted that Policy PP9 paragraphs f), g), H), i) and j) that embrace effective buffer zones, enhanced connectivity, biodiversity mitigation measures, protection of water quality and retention of mature trees and hedgerows identify the measures that must be taken to protect valuable green and blue corridors. It is vital that sensitive sites such as the ancient SSSI woodland of Bullock Wood, ancient Welshwood and Walls Wood and associated green and blue corridors are effectively protected with thorough, in-depth evaluation of required measures prior to development agreement.
It is noted that Policy PP9 paragraphs f), g), H), i) and j) that embrace effective buffer zones, enhanced connectivity, biodiversity mitigation measures, protection of water quality and retention of mature trees and hedgerows identify the measures that must be taken to protect valuable green and blue corridors. It is vital that sensitive sites such as the ancient SSSI woodland of Bullock Wood, ancient Welshwood and Walls Wood and associated green and blue corridors are effectively protected with thorough, in-depth evaluation of required measures prior to development agreement.
Object
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP7: Land off Bakers Lane, Colchester
Representation ID: 11523
Received: 17/12/2025
Respondent: Colchester Natural History Society
This site as valuable biodiversity potential and fits in well with the surrounding green landscape. This was recognised when an application was dismissed on appeal. This also means that the site has recently been through the required due process, been refused for development and therefore should not be in the Local Plan Preferred Options.
This site as valuable biodiversity potential and fits in well with the surrounding green landscape. This was recognised when an application was dismissed on appeal. This also means that the site has recently been through the required due process, been refused for development and therefore should not be in the Local Plan Preferred Options.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy EN4: Irreplaceable Habitats
Representation ID: 12289
Received: 09/01/2026
Respondent: Colchester Natural History Society
At "to the satisfaction of the Council" add "after consultation with appropriate habitat stakeholders".
A problem exists with BNG in that it can be misused if there is no full survey of existing biodiversity on a site, and clear evidence that biodiversity loss can be effectively replaced on that site or a locally available one. Species depend on specific habitats and habitat replacement may not immediate or available in close proximity, consequently the species will be lost. Sensitive sites should be subject to comprehensive, twelve months (at least), independent ecological examination followed by an effective species protection plan.
At "to the satisfaction of the Council" add "after consultation with appropriate habitat stakeholders".
A problem exists with BNG in that it can be misused if there is no full survey of existing biodiversity on a site, and clear evidence that biodiversity loss can be effectively replaced on that site or a locally available one. Species depend on specific habitats and habitat replacement may not immediate or available in close proximity, consequently the species will be lost. Sensitive sites should be subject to comprehensive, twelve months (at least), independent ecological examination followed by an effective species protection plan.
