CONCERNED councillors say they want to see "alien soil" placed at a development site removed.
Tiptree Parish Council was discussing the Tiptree Nine Acres site where developers Crest Nicholson faced enforcement action after altering it without permission.
The developer created an area of raised soil, causing complaints from the public last year.
Crest Nicholson responded by saying the heaps “are not a permanent fixture" and are required to complete the allotments on the site.
An application was submitted in September for the change of use of land on the development site for public open space and allotments.
The provision of allotments was agreed upon as part of the development application submitted in January 2013.
The plans are yet to be decided on, but Tiptree Parish Council discussed the plans at its latest planning meeting.
A number of concerns were raised and councillors made the decision to object to the application.
They also discussed how tree planting is taking place on the site.
A spokesman for Tiptree Parish Council said: “The soil that is on the land currently is alien soil and has been shipped in from another location.
“We maintain that this soil should be removed, and the land returned to its original topography.
“There are concerns that the bund is not being removed and that the steepness to the rear of the bund facing the allotments will be too steep to manage, and that the distance from the bund to the allotments will result in an area that is unmanageable.
“Wildflower meadows have been added to the plans and these are also very difficult to manage and high maintenance.
“We note that the location of the play area is only indicative, but we would like to see it placed further away from the houses and not too close to planted trees.
“Trees have been planted at the site into clay soil with little drainage, there is also no management plans on how to protect the trees whilst they are establishing roots.
“Also, as we believe that the soil should be removed why are trees being planted, there is no permission at this site for the planting.”
Colchester Council will have the final say next month.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel