PLANS which will see a new estate built in Stanway have been backed Colchester Council.

Developer Persimmon Homes was given permission to build 66 houses with associated parking, landscaping and roads on land off London Road as the long-targeted area for development finally got the green light.

The site lies immediately west and north of the Grade II* listed 15th century building, Catchbells, and is located within a Site of Special Scientific Interest Impact Risk Zone, however, it has been deemed fine for use.

The development will provide a range of both market and affordable units, having a mix of one to four bedroom homes, plans reveal.

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The plans were originally submitted to Colchester Council in December 2020 as a 102 house scheme, however, it has since been cut back in response to feedback from the case officer.

A planning report on the now 66 home proposal stated: “The current proposal would provide economic benefits, for example in respect of employment during the construction phase.

“It would also result in residents living in proximity to accessible means of employment.

“There is sufficient evidence to be confident that overall the development would not cause significant harm to the amenity of nearby residents, create noise pollution or have a severe impact upon the highway network.”

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Concerns were raised by scores of residents about the impact of overdevelopment in Stanway, particularly in light of the recently completed Wyvern Farm estate in the town.

Representing Stanway Parish Council, Amanda Ward said it objected to the proposal and supported London Road residents’ concerns.

She said: “The land will be overdeveloped and dense. There is a lack of infrastructure and the access on to the London Road will be opposite Church Lane, potentially causing highway safety issues.”

Another objector said: “My children love looking out on to this site as it is, please do not take this away from them as they love walking seeing the bunnies and birds.

“Now my four-year-old asks if the bunnies have died as they don’t have a home.”