Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025

Comment

Representation ID: 14049

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

As a general observation, there are several urban design and layout related policies (e.g. Policies PC6 and PC7) which could be combined to create a single policy concerning high quality development for all forms of development. Similarly, there is duplication of the
content of some policies relating to green infrastructure where some rationalisation would be helpful (Policies ST2 and GN1).

Comment

Representation ID: 14301

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

As a general observation, there are several urban design and layout related policies (e.g.
Policies PC6 and PC7) which could be combined to create a single policy concerning high
quality development for all forms of development. Similarly, there is duplication of the
content of some policies relating to green infrastructure where some rationalisation would
be helpful (Policies ST2 and GN1).

Comment

Representation ID: 14302

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

As a general observation, there are several urban design and layout related policies (e.g.
Policies PC6 and PC7) which could be combined to create a single policy concerning high
quality development for all forms of development. Similarly, there is duplication of the
content of some policies relating to green infrastructure where some rationalisation would
be helpful (Policies ST2 and GN1).

Comment

Representation ID: 14303

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

As a general observation, there are several urban design and layout related policies (e.g.
Policies PC6 and PC7) which could be combined to create a single policy concerning high
quality development for all forms of development. Similarly, there is duplication of the
content of some policies relating to green infrastructure where some rationalisation would
be helpful (Policies ST2 and GN1).

Comment

Representation ID: 14304

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

There will shortly also be national development control policies, and these should be
adopted. For example, there is little merit in including a heritage policy (Policy EN6) which
could be at variance with national policy and similarly there should be no need for a
Biodiversity Net Gain policy repeating the statutory requirements (Policy EN2).

Comment

Representation ID: 14305

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

There will shortly also be national development control policies, and these should be
adopted. For example, there is little merit in including a heritage policy (Policy EN6) which
could be at variance with national policy and similarly there should be no need for a
Biodiversity Net Gain policy repeating the statutory requirements (Policy EN2).

Object

Representation ID: 14306

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

The plan period should be extended up-to 2043 and additional housing and employment allocations identified. There will be a need to update the evidence base to this new end date. As an objection, Welbeck Land has 4 concerns associated with the claimed housing land
supply at Policy ST5 which are, in part, linked to the requirements associated with other policies in the Consultation document.

Comment

Representation ID: 14307

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

The plan period should be extended up-to 2043 and additional housing and employment
allocations identified. There will be a need to update the evidence base to this new end
date.

Object

Representation ID: 14308

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

The representation argues that policies in the Consultation document impose substantial additional costs on housing development, which are underestimated in the Viability Assessment. Requirements for net zero construction, extensive greenspace, biodiversity net gain, higher construction standards and renewable energy could add significant per‑dwelling and long‑term management costs, threatening viability. It also raises concern that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) could later be applied to allocated sites, undermining viability assumptions, and seeks confirmation this will not occur. Finally, it notes that the Infrastructure Audit Delivery Plan is unfinished, with unclear funding and cost implications not adequately reflected in viability testing.

Object

Representation ID: 14309

Received: 14/01/2026

Respondent: Wellbeck Strategic Land

Agent: Star Planning and Development

Welbeck Land is supportive of a residential allocation on land east of School Road, Copford. However, Welbeck Land objects to the extent of the proposed allocation, specifically residential development occurring to the south of Pits Wood/Footpath 4 Copford. Instead, this part of the allocation should be deleted and additional land allocated to the north of Pits Wood/Footpath 4 Copford (i.e. all the Welbeck Land interest which is in single rather than four multiple ownerships). The reasons for this amendment are set out in the submission.