Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025

Object

Representation ID: 13540

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

We object to Policy NZ1 as currently drafted. While we support the ambition to reduce carbon emissions from new development and the transition to net zero by 2050, the policy is overly complex, inflexible and insufficiently justified, and risks undermining the deliverability and viability of development across Colchester. The term Net Zero in operation is often banded around but the reality of all c.15,000 home allocations in this plan is extremely onerous and uncertain especially when set against a national picture that requires the transition to occur by 2050. See attachment.

Object

Representation ID: 13546

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

We object to Policy NZ2 as currently drafted. While the objective of reducing embodied carbon is supported in principle, the policy is overly prescriptive, insufficiently flexible, and risks undermining development viability and deliverability when considered both on its own and cumulatively with Policy NZ1 and the wider policy framework of the emerging Local Plan. See attachment.

Object

Representation ID: 13548

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

Policy PC2 sits alongside multiple other Local Plan policies addressing movement, design, climate change, health, air quality and electric vehicle infrastructure. Taken together, these policies impose overlapping and sometimes competing requirements, with PC2 adding further detailed obligations that are more appropriately dealt with through supporting text or development management guidance.

As drafted, the policy lacks prioritisation and does not recognise the need to balance active travel aspirations against viability, site constraints and other policy objectives.

Object

Representation ID: 13552

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

Policy PC6 is supported in principle, particularly the opening section which sets out a clear, balanced and positive expectation for high quality design, placemaking and amenity. This introductory paragraph broadly reflects national policy and is sufficient, in itself, to guide decision-making.

However, we object to the policy as drafted due to its excessive length, duplication with other Local Plan policies, and inclusion of detailed development management matters more appropriately addressed through guidance or Building Regulations.

Object

Representation ID: 13554

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

Policy PC7 is objected to as drafted because it is overly prescriptive, duplicative of other policies, and risks undermining good design, innovation and deliverability. It tries to apply policies for schemes of 10 or more and says its all mandatory when it is obviously can’t be especially on small and medium sized major schemes.

Support

Representation ID: 13555

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

The allocation of land north of Oak Road, Tiptree for residential-led development is supported. The site represents a logical and sustainable extension to the settlement, capable of delivering a significant quantum of housing alongside strategic green infrastructure, biodiversity enhancements and landscape mitigation, including the proposed Tiptree Country Park.

However, a number of refinements are required to ensure the policy is justified, proportionate and effective, and to avoid unnecessary constraints on delivery. See attachment.

Support

Representation ID: 13565

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

The allocation of land at View Park for approximately 50 dwellings is supported. The site is suitable for small-scale residential development and provides an opportunity to deliver housing that respects the rural character, retains landscape and biodiversity features, and integrates with the surrounding context.

This allocation can be delivered in the 0-5 year timeframe. It is important that the smaller and medium sized allocations are delivered early in the plan period to front load housing delivery.

However, some refinements are recommended to ensure the policy is practical, flexible, and deliverable, particularly given the scale of the site. See attachment

Support

Representation ID: 13571

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

Policy PP36: Land at Earls Colne Road, Great Tey

The allocation of land at Earls Colne Road for residential development is supported. The site is suitable for housing, can help meet evidenced housing needs, and provides an opportunity to deliver a well-designed development that respects the rural character and heritage of Great Tey.

This allocation can be delivered in the following timeframe:

• 0-5 years = 50 dwellings
• 6-10 years = 100 dwellings

However, some refinements are recommended to ensure the policy is practical, flexible, and deliverable. See attachment.

Support

Representation ID: 13573

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

The allocation of land at Kelvedon Road, Messing for residential development is supported. The site is suitable for housing, can contribute to meeting local housing needs, and provides an opportunity to deliver a well-designed development that respects the rural character, heritage, and ecological sensitivity of the area.

This allocation can be delivered in the 0-5 year timeframe. It is important that the smaller and medium sized allocations are delivered early in the plan period to front load housing delivery.

Some refinements to the policy are suggested, see attachment.

Support

Representation ID: 13575

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Mersea Homes

Agent: ADP

Policy PP49: Land at St Ives Road, Peldon

The allocation of land at St Ives Road, Peldon for residential development is supported. The site is suitable for housing, can contribute to meeting local housing needs, and provides an opportunity to deliver a well-designed development that respects the rural character, heritage, and ecological sensitivity of the area.

This allocation can be delivered in the 0-5 year timeframe. It is important that the smaller and medium sized allocations are delivered early in the plan period to front load housing delivery.

However, refinements are recommended to policy, see attachment.