Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025

Comment

Representation ID: 14416

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

Dedham:Cycle link to East Bergholt and to Manningtree railway station, Manningtree and Lawford. Cycle connections to neighbouring villages and Colchester should be protected from increasing motor traffic. See our observations on reducing the attractiveness of country lanes for motor vehicle drivers and stopping rat runs.

Comment

Representation ID: 14417

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

Copford: The village will be on the line of a major cycle route between Colchester and Marks Tey. See our observations on reducing the attractiveness of country lanes for motor vehicle drivers and stopping rat runs.

Comment

Representation ID: 14418

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

Cycle link to East Bergholt and to Manningtree railway station, Manningtree and Lawford. Cycle connections to neighbouring villages and Colchester should be protected from increasing motor traffic. See our observations on reducing the attractiveness of country lanes for motor vehicle drivers and stopping rat runs.

Comment

Representation ID: 14419

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

Study to look at feasibility of cycle/foot bridge between the village and Wivenhoe (there was one during the Second World War). This should tie in to the Colchester cycle network.

Moves should be made to upgrade and protect the Rowhedge Trail. If it becomes highway land, more public money could be spent on it.

See our observations on reducing the attractiveness of country lanes for motor vehicle drivers and stopping rat runs.

Comment

Representation ID: 14420

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

LITTLE HORKESLEY: A short section of cycle path should be put in place beside the A134 south of Nayland to connect Lt Horkesley, Nayland and Great Horkesley (north) at Burnt Dick Hill. See our observations on reducing the attractiveness of country lanes for motor vehicle drivers and stopping rat runs.

Comment

Representation ID: 14421

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

EASTHORPE: Routes to tie in with a new Marks Tey bridge

Comment

Representation ID: 14422

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

Overarching principles: The Local Plan should acknowledge DfT forecasts of up to 54% traffic growth by 2060 and commit Colchester to achieving the lowest possible trajectory, ideally around 8%. The NPPF now requires a vision‑led approach, with transport considered from the outset of plan‑making and all developments designed around sustainable travel. New schemes must be assessed using the DfT connectivity tool, with low‑scoring proposals rejected, and developers required to undertake robust 3km cycling accessibility studies using Active Travel England tools and safety‑issue reviews. The plan must prioritise walking and cycling connections between and within all settlements and growth areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 14423

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

Officer summary on Other Comments:
Country lanes have become unattractive and unsafe for cycling due to increased car use. Reduce traffic on rural routes, including segregated cycle lanes, one‑way systems, filters or lower speed limits, with a clear mechanism for implementation. Colchester and Essex should develop a coherent signage strategy, potentially following successful European models, in consultation with Active Travel England. Developer promises of short‑term bus funding should not replace long‑term sustainable services. All settlements should include hire‑bike and scooter parking, and councillors should undertake study visits to Belgium or Paris to learn from leading cycling infrastructure.

Comment

Representation ID: 14424

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

Officer Summary By theme not inc cycle routes & parking: Adopt a long‑term approach to land acquisition to secure space for transport and active‑travel improvements, including strategic purchases. Policies must prioritise reducing car use through rapid‑transit extensions and safe cycling and walking routes, particularly around schools. Area‑wide 20mph limits should support road‑danger reduction,developments must include car hire, bike rental and strong active‑travel links. Leisure connectivity improved via upgrades to the Colchester Orbital, National Byway and proposed Greenways. Retail/employment areas must be redesigned around sustainable access, while identifying major barriers and new bridge opportunities to support safe, city‑wide active travel.

Comment

Representation ID: 14425

Received: 13/01/2026

Respondent: Colchester Cycle Campaign

GARDEN COMMUNITY officer summary - see attachment for plan/map
Crockleford Hill is a vital east‑west cycling exit but currently unsafe; it should be filtered so only residents can access it by car. A new cycle route is needed from Salary Brook through the country park and garden community to Wivenhoe Road/Bromley Road, continuing via the A120 farm track bridge to Church Road, Elmstead and then south to Wivenhoe. Waterhouse Lane and Grange Road should be quiet lanes to create a safe link to Manningtree. A safe cycling connection from New Elmstead to the Beth Chatto Gardens to support active‑travel access.