Cymbeline Way land in Colchester put on sale for £1million

The 40 acres of water meadows off Cymbeline Way are being marketed by Whirledge & Nott.

The site, which is equivalent to the size of 20 football pitches, has been split into two lots being sold for £650,000 and £350,000 respectively. 

The brochure for the sale says offers should be made by July 10 for the farm land. 

The report, which gives no indication as to what the land could be use for, said: "A fantastic opportunity to purchase freehold land in a strategic location adjacent to one of the main arterial roads leading into Colchester city centre."

The land going on sale comes months after it was revealed the site was one of 180 sites totalling almost 1,675 hectares, equivalent to 2,320 Premier League football pitches, which were suggested for potential housing developments as part of Colchester Council’s “call for sites” consultation.

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell said: “No sane person would build on this land - it is a flood plain and a flood meadow.

Concerned - Sir Bob Russell at the site off Cymbeline Way (Image: Sir Bob Russell) (Image: Sir Bob Russell)

“Colchester planners would not build on this land, and it would be a terrible mistake.”

Sir Bob was one of a group of councillors who worked together 50 years ago to stop a sprawling housing estate linking Turner Road and Ipswich Road. 

The land has been host to Colchester’s Funfair’s fairground for many years.

Castle Ward Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor said: “I think for once, Sir Bob and I agree, no sane person would build on the land.

“I don’t know exactly that what the land is proposed for, but it is in a flood zone, it is designated as an open space, so I cannot see many circumstances where the space would be built on.

“it is more likely it is being sold as a very long-term land banking exercise.

“What could be done, it could be turned into some form of nature reserve, that would be nice, but I am not aware of that being proposed at all.”