A WILDLIFE charity says it is “fundamentally opposed” to plans to build 1,000 homes at a popular beauty spot.
Essex Wildlife Trust has taken the unusual step of speaking out in public against the proposals for Middlewick Ranges in Colchester.
The Ministry of Defence is set to dispose of the military firing range in 2022.
After this date, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation is working on plans to build a 1,000-home estate on part of the site.
After being contacted by campaign group Save Middlewick Ranges, the charity has posted a statement.
It says: “Essex Wildlife Trust is fundamentally opposed to the proposals for the redevelopment of Middlewick Ranges for housing.
“Middlewick Ranges is one of the most important and valuable local wildlife sites in the Colchester borough.
“It is exceptionally valuable for its areas of acid grassland habitat and diverse invertebrate populations, which include a substantial number of rare and threatened species.
“Middlewick Ranges is a major ecological asset. Its precious habitats are essential to nature’s recovery and we cannot afford to lose them.”
The charity, which is based in Great Wigborough and runs sites such as Abberton Reservoir, said The Wick also adds “immeasurable value” to the community.
Beauty spot - Middlewick Ranges, in Colchester
Essex Wildlife Trust said it had previously objected to Middlewick being allocated for housing in Colchester Council’s Local Plan and had continued to object to the homes plans since.
The statement continues: “Following this, the trust were approached by the DIO in 2018 to comment on the technical aspects of the ecological survey.
“We made our continued opposition to the proposals clear at the time and informed them we would formally object.
“The following year, we submitted a formal objection in response to the DIO’s public consultation.
“We will also be attending the Local Plan examination hearing to reinforce our objection.
“The position of Essex Wildlife Trust remains in opposition to the proposed development of Middlewick Ranges for housing.”
The DIO’s plans include a new primary school along with a new community hub featuring retail, leisure and community facilities.
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