ANGRY campaigners have vowed to block a busy road in protest against a 1,000 homes plan for the Middlewick Ranges.
Protesters will create a blockade in Old Heath Road, Colchester, adjacent to the Cavendish Avenue junction, at noon on Monday.
Old Heath resident Dave Smith argued the borough’s councillors should seek a “more suitable” site for development, adding there is a rising “anger” about the situation.
It comes as an extraordinary council meeting is set to finalise the future of the Wick during a meeting on Monday evening.
Colchester Council will hold the crunch talks where it will consider the hugely-opposed recommendation for 1,000 homes to be built on the site dubbed the “green lungs of Colchester”.
The allocation of the homes dominated a near three-hour debate earlier this month surrounding Section 2 of Colchester’s Local Plan.
Mr Smith, 63, said he hopes the planned disruption will draw attention to the mood among worried Colcestrians, while not affecting commuters or those on the school run.
He said: “A group of residents are upset and angered at the way Colchester Council has tried to force through 1,000 homes on Middlewick Ranges.
“Some of the councillors who cast the vote to press ahead made it clear the site was not suitable, but were voting for it as it was the only option on the table.
“We know this is not right so are now going to embark on a course of action to raise further awareness among the wider community.”
The Old Heath resident added the campaign will take place for 17 minutes and 20 seconds, representing one second per house planned for the site.
A Colchester Council spokesman stated it “cannot condone” the “illegal” actions planned for Monday.
He said: “We understand residents’ concerns and support their right to peaceful protest but cannot condone actions that are illegal and impact the lawful business of others.
“The council remains fully committed to preserving and enhancing all forms of biodiversity in the borough to the greatest extent possible, including at Middlewick Ranges.”
The spokesman added “extensive” master planning will need to be undertaken prior to any application being submitted to build on the site.
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