Copford homes plan sees village protest at Queensberry Avenue site

Anchor Ltd has submitted blueprints for 72 flats in the complex, alongside a further 18-bed sheltered housing development on land east of Queensberry Avenue.

The developer says the latter will act as an extension to the existing facilities for the over-55s in Dorothy Curtice Court.

The Queensberry Action Group has hit out at the plans, challenging the proposed access to the site via Queensberry Avenue.

Copford villagers urge the developer: 'Don't attack our cul-de-sac' (Image: Newsquest)

Around 80 residents attended a protest at the end of Queensberry Avenue on Saturday.

Graham Barney, chairman of Copford with Easthorpe Parish Council, said the plans had received 135 objections on Colchester Council’s planning site.

He said “chaos and disruptions” would be caused by a proposed access road.

“The road is used by residents to legitimately park outside their homes and is described by Anchor as a ‘busy road’.

READ MORE: Copford Colchester centre of development plan for 90 flats

“Should planning be approved this will cause significant chaos and disruption for residents over at least two years with a significant increase in traffic and risk to the number of children who use this road to walk, cycle and scoot to school.

“A planning inspector who dealt with previous applications for this site has noted that there are other access routes available, but Anchor has rejected these.”

Copford protestors are against a planned access road to the site (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “Residents believe an alternative access is possible, safeguarding the residents of the road from risk and two years of HGV traffic and then any traffic from residents of the new development plus deliveries and potentially sewage vehicles.”

A planning statement from Anchor said the plan makes “the most efficient use” of land already identified for development.

“A detailed assessment of the vehicle and pedestrian access options into the site, and the impact of traffic generated by the proposed development, has been prepared,” the statement reads.

“The proposal provides a much desired housing choice for the older people of Copford and the wider Colchester community.

“In turn, through having this aspiration choice existing family homes will be freed up by enabling local people to downsize.”

What does the developer have to say about the plans and the protest?

Nick Hodgskin, senior development manager at Anchor, said: "The changing needs of our ageing society means there is a demand for specialist housing and as a not-for profit provider of care and housing for people in later life, we are keen to work with communities to meet that demand. 

"The proposal at Copford would provide 90 new affordable homes for older people in Colchester.

 “Queensbury Avenue or London Road were identified as suitable access roads to the site of the proposed development as part of the adopted local plan. 

"Taking an access directly from London Road would impede the free flow of traffic along this route and would necessitate the demolition of existing homes within the Dorothy Curtice Court complex. 

"Queensberry Avenue therefore represents a more suitable means of accessing the site.

“In September, a face-to-face and online public consultation was held for residents to learn more about our proposal and provide feedback at the event or via our dedicated online page.

“We will continue to work with residents and the local authority on our proposals to provide a high-quality, sustainable development which meets the needs of the local community whilst providing homes where people love living in later life.”

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