CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new 27 home estate have reached their consultation stage after a previous proposal received heavy opposition.
Arbora Homes is seeking to construct the property development on land adjacent to the B1508 in Braiswick, Colchester.
The targeted land lies just metres from the Colchester Road “blue bridge” which carries traffic between Colchester and West Bergholt over the A12.
It follows Colchester Council throwing out the developer’s bid to build 34 homes at the site in June 2019 as it fell outside of the settlement boundary for Colchester, identified in the Adopted Local Plan.
The revised plans for the 1.47 hectare plot of land could see 27 two and three storey Victorian detached houses built, as well as a three storey apartment block.
Planning documents reveal each property would have associated parking and there would be eight affordable homes in total.
One report from Arbora Homes states feedback from residents has been “thoughtfully taken into consideration and has informed the design process leading up to the submission”.
It adds: “Sustainable principles have been evaluated at each stage of the design process to ensure the proposal has been designed and will be constructed to make the fullest contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation.”
But some still aren’t convinced, with a West Bergholt Parish Council spokesman stating the authority is “disappointed” by the proposal.
One objector said: “The density of the development and the type of properties proposed are not in keeping with the existing properties along Braiswick.”
Another added: “Cars tend to travel across the blue bridge into Braiswick at quite a speed and do not slow down until well after the 30mph sign.
“This would, therefore, cause an issue with regards to safety to the access point of the development.”
A spokesman from the Braiswick Residents Association said the proposal is “an improvement” but feels the village is being compromised.
A statement adds: “This is an excellent opportunity to create a modern development on an important site as you approach the boundary to Colchester.
“The Braiswick Residents Association would welcome the opportunity to discuss the concerns raised with the planning team.”
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