Middlewick Ranges plans get the go ahead from inspectors

The rubberstamped blueprints for the 1,000 homes proposal at the Ministry of Defence owned site could soon be presented to Colchester councillors who will be asked to make the final decision.

The Wick, dubbed the green lungs of Colchester, is expected to be sold for development when firing operations moved to Fingringhoe, despite mass objections from residents.

The plans have proved controversial, with Colchester MP Will Quince calling for his Government to help prevent the scheme.

But Colchester Council has now revealed a final planning inspectors’ report today showed the Local Plan for sustainable development in the borough is “legally sound”.

Controversial - the blueprints (Image: Colchester Council)

Section two of the plan was examined by inspectors, which includes policies and site allocations which can be used for considering planning applications within the borough.

As well as identifying sites for housing, the policies seek to ensure there is land for economic growth and that supporting infrastructure is provided, the council says.

The plan, which a report states “includes new homes and supporting infrastructure at Middlewick Ranges” will now be presented to the Local Plan committee on June 13, prior to it being heard by full council.

It follows a public examination and consultation on modifications to the plan last year, with inspectors considering about 1,200 comments received during the projects.

Now, after scrutinising the plan and supporting evidence and hearing from stakeholders, the inspectorate has said the plans can go ahead, subject to Colchester’s councillors agreeing.

If agreed by the Local Plan committee, the proposal will be recommended to full council for a final vote.

Lindsay Barker, Colchester Council’s strategic director for policy and place, said: “Local Plans are often a long and difficult process, but it is really important to provide a strategy for the growth of Colchester to 2033 and beyond.

“The Local Plan provides a mechanism to plan for the sustainable development of homes, businesses and infrastructure, whilst protecting the environment, Colchester’s rich history and heritage and the rural environment and coast beyond.”