CONTROVERSIAL plans which could see a major greenfield site developed with 1,000 homes have been passed by Colchester Council.

Middlewick Ranges, which is a wildlife site currently owned by the Ministry of Defence, now faces major residential development after Section 2 of the Local Plan was passed by full council on Monday evening.

The Local Plan is a proposal for 15,970 houses to be built in the borough of Colchester between 2017 and 2033 – but the inclusion of Middlewick in the plan sparked a backlash from residents who argue the grassland is a beauty spot and an environmental asset to the town.

Gazette: Taking a stand – some protestors gathered outside the Town Hall before the meeting startedTaking a stand – some protestors gathered outside the Town Hall before the meeting started

Despite a protracted campaign to remove Middlewick from the Section 2 of the Local Plan by campaigners, 23 out of 35 councillors present at the extraordinary general meeting voted in favour of adopting the Local Plan.

Five councillors voted against its adoption, with seven councillors abstaining.

Colchester Town Hall saw impassioned pleas by some councillors and members of the public to remove Middlewick from a redrafted version of the Local Plan, but the majority of councillors argued that voting through the blueprint will allow the council greater control over the development.

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Councillors who voted to adopt the Local Plan included Colchester Council leader David King, Colchester Mayor Tim Young and Colchester Council deputy leader Adam Fox.

Following the vote, Mr Fox said the Local Plan would allow Colchester Council to rein in property developers who could exploit the land for financial gain.

He said: "Colchester is better off with a Local Plan.

"We can now get moving on plans to provide affordable homes for local people, regenerate brownfield sites and strengthen communities with better schools, transport and open space."

Gazette: The motion to adopt Section 2 of the Local Plan was carried unanimously in the vote at the end of the eveningThe motion to adopt Section 2 of the Local Plan was carried unanimously in the vote at the end of the evening

He added, however, that Labour councillors would oppose the development of the site by the Ministry of Defence, explaining the council should have control over the grassland’s future.

"Labour councillors continue to oppose the development of Middlewick by the Ministry of Defence – local councillors will continue to fight the Government to stop the sale and stop the build."