Colchester Council has unveiled plans to build 190 new homes on two of its town centre car parks.

Whilst in the early stages, the proposals would see the homes built at both Vineyard Street and the Britannia in the town.

The proposals have proved controversial amongst residents who took to the Gazette Facebook page to raise concerns about the plan.

We asked council leader Mark Cory your burning questions.

BOTH Vineyard Street and the Britannia car parks are set to be completely transformed in the coming years to feature new homes, as well as public space and business units.

The vision for Vineyard Street includes a new residential neighbourhood of up to 70 new homes built along the area’s former medieval street plan with new retail, food and drink outlets and pop up stalls in the area.

Whilst at the Britannia the council plans to create up to 120 homes. There will 30 per cent affordable homes at both sites.

The plans have proved controversial amongst residents with concerns raised about the loss of car parking spaces, traffic and the impact on the Roman town wall.

Council leader Mark Cory insisted plans were in the very early stages.

He said: “They will change and be adapted. There will be further engagement with businesses, residents and stakeholders and this is the first time we have put these plans forward.”

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Loss of parking

One of the issues Gazette readers raised was the loss of parking in the town centre.

Mr Cory said discussions on how to replace some of the lost spaces were underway and drivers wouldn’t be overlooked. Ideas include a possible multi-storey on part of the Britannia, or nearby.

He said: “There is a parking review being done by an expert consultant now looking at the data on usage of the car park and how we reconfigure them to fit with our environmental improvement agenda, boosting walking and cycling and our focus on making sure the town centre is vibrant. This will help us understand where the demand is.

“We will have to see what the review says but we are not in the business of removing everything so there is no parking whatsoever.”

Gazette:

  • Britannia car park in Colchester

Disabled spaces

Mr Cory promised provision of disabled spaces at both cars parks would be maintained or improved after residents raised concerns vital blue badge spaces would be lost in the town centre.

Mr Cory said: “We really care about accessibility to the town centre for those who are not able bodied. Vineyard Street in particularly is very important for blue badge holders because it has the lift. We will keep that and make improvements.”

He added: “We will retain or improve what is already here.”

Why housing?

Many residents have questioned why the car parks are being considered for housing, when Colchester is already the fastest growing town in the east.

Mr Cory said housing had been on the agenda for both sites since 2005 when a masterplan was produced.

He said: “We have to accept town centres are changing and a development of just shops at Vineyard Street just isn’t viable.

“As it is the Council carrying out these developments we will deliver more affordable housing than any other developer would. The homes will be to the highest possible standards.

“Houses will bring people to the town centre and increase footfall.” You cannot get much better in terms of sustainability than these developments. They are located very close to both the train station and bus station.”

Gazette:

  • The plans for Vineyard Street

Traffic issues

Some residents suggested the new homes would lead to an increase in traffic in these parts of the town centre, but Mr Cory said this was not the case.

He said: “There will be less traffic as if you take away parking spaces in these areas.

“We may strike a deal with the nearby car park or allow the residents to have some spaces in Britannia which are left but we are planning for these to be predominantly car free developments.”

Isn't this just a way for the council to make money?

Mr Cory also insisted, despite residents concerns, this wasn’t a money making scheme for the authority.

“We are the council and we represent the people of Colchester and decide where to spend their money,” he said.

“Money made will go back into council coffers to support council services. By doing this it gives us money back to invest in the development and services.”

Gazette:

  • Vineyard Street car park

What does "opening up" the Roman Wall mean?

Some readers were worried about what “opening up” the Roman Wall at Vineyard Street actually meant.

Mr Cory said it didn’t mean “bashing a hole through it” but instead making it more accessible.

He said: “At the moment the Roman Wall at Vineyard Street is just part of the car park. We are looking at improving our heritage with this development.

“One possibility we are looking into is creating a mini museum or heritage experience at Vineyard Street as part of the scheme.”

Cabinet will discuss plans tonight.