Report unveils Colchester's rising housing need until 2041

Evidence prepared by experts at Iceni Projects has revealed the city will need to build 1,043 homes per year instead of the previously expected 920. 

During a planning committee meeting at Colchester Council, the report was introduced by Planning Policy Officer Sandra Scott, which revealed the additional need. 

It includes the Local Plan strategy and housing numbers to cover up to 2041. 

Chairman - Councillor Tim Young, chairman of the Planning Committee

The new number has been determined based on the standard method housing need and will see special options be tested.

This will be presented to the local plan committee in autumn and a public consultation in autumn and winter this year 

In the report, it was stated: “At this stage, the options as identified in the report are just that and the intention is that the approach and options will be tested against evidence including infrastructure and environmental evidence and the sustainability appraisal.” 

Chairman Tim Young reminded the members of the committee, that statements made around whether sites will be used at the moment should be taken with caution. 

He said: “You may have noticed we are in the middle of a general election campaign and I’m pretty sure it has led to certain candidates to jumping on that item saying that the council or the administration want to bring back West Tey as an option."

But Karen Syrett, joint head of planning, said: “There’s no decision being made tonight, neither has been a decision been already made about what sites will be brought forward and whether any will be resurrected.” 

West Tey used to be part of the proposed Garden Community plans, which had been squashed after an inspector had ruled them ‘unsound’. 

Rosie Pearson who campaigned against the West Tey development (Image: Newsquest)

Rosie Pearson, who has been campaigning against the plans, is calling upon Colchester Council to look at smaller housing targets. 

She said: “With the A120 remaining congested, the new A12 facing legal challenge and the rail line still very busy, any revival of West Tey is plain stupid. Why would the council put itself through misery again? 

“It is time for the council to adopt less aggressive housing targets, something that it is perfectly within its rights to do if there are environmental constraints." 

A spokesperson for Colchester City Council said: “We can confirm that a Review of the Local Plan is currently underway, which will assess all options for accommodating future housing growth. At this point in time, no decisions have made.

“Our focus remains on progressing the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community. This development offers a sustainable approach to meeting housing needs alongside strong infrastructure investment.

“We will continue to engage with residents and stakeholders as we move forward with these important projects.”