Calls for meeting with Michael Gove over Middlewick Ranges

Sir Bob Russell, the town’s former MP, has written to Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, about the Ministry of Defence’s plans to build 1,000 homes at the popular beauty spot.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation is working up plans for 1,000 homes, a school and community facilities to be built on part of the much-loved wildlife haven once military operations stop at the site.

Sir Bob called on Mr Gove to step in and halt the sale of the ranges, which is set to take place in 2022.

He said: “I write to seek your intervention so the concept of joined-up Government is a reality. For the rhetoric to be matched by a positive outcome.

“The Government wants to create new habitats for wildlife. Great. I support that.

“I have read the phrases re-wilding and the need ‘to stem the appalling collapse of biodiversity’. I support that, also.

Boss - Sir Bob Russell wants to meet michael Gove to discuss plans for homes at Middlewick. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor/PA

“The problem with this rhetoric is in Colchester the MoD is making a mockery of the fine words of the Prime Minister in particular, and the Government in general, through its plans to destroy an existing area of wildlife.”

Read more:

• Cheers! Village pub saluted for helping people who are isolated during pandemic
• Battle of the big wheels continues between seafront rivals

Sir Bob said Middlewick provided exactly the type of habitat for wildlife and green open space the Government was looking to promote.

He said: “Middlewick is the only surviving area of wild heathland in urban Colchester.

“It provides a much-loved open space between distinct separate urban communities which have been developed in the 20th century.

“If Middlewick is built on, then this green oasis will result in an urban sprawl across the southern side of Colchester.”

Estate - 1,000 homes are being planned for Middlewick Ranges in Colchester

Sir Bob has asked for Mr Gove to meet with him to discuss Middlewick’s plight in person.

He has received a response from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation saying 63 per cent of the ranges will remain in use as open space, while a large 89-hectare area south of Birch Brook will remain part of the MoD’s estate and will be open to the public.

For more information about the MoD’s plans for Middlewick, visit gov.uk/government/consultations/middlewick-ranges-supporting-sustainable-growth-for-colchester.