Harwich Town Council objects to Navyard plans for 139 new homes

A planning application has been made to Tendring Council to demolish a car park and warehouse, as well as an office building on the Navyard Wharf complex on Kings Quay Street.  

Harwich Town Council opposed Navyard Wharf’s initial proposal in January 2020.

There were concerns over “unacceptable” aspects, including the almost doubling of the population and the “excessive” height of the buildings dominating existing dwellings, as well as traffic congestion.

Since 2020, key changes to the scheme include the omission of the circular landmark building, three large apartment blocks and the covered car park on the deck.

Subjective - Harwich Town Councillors disagreed over the look's of Brightlingsea's Waterside Marina (Image: Predict Wind)

Councillor Pam Morrison said when she was in Brightlingsea earlier this month, she heard from residents that they regret the high-rise Waterside Marina, and branded them “horrendous” herself.

Councillor Ivan Henderson said Harwich’s Navyard development would have to be in keeping with the area and “not an overdevelopment like this”.

Councillor Dave McCloud said he agreed with many points about the aesthetics of the building, but said he would want to give his support as the plans would create jobs and services.

Ms Morrison, said despite differences in opinion over looks, her main objection would be infrastructure adding: “We do not have enough doctors, we don't have enough dentists.

“We don't have enough school places. We don't have enough parking."

Stalls - The new proposal has multi-function container stalls (Image: CGI by Navyard Limited)

Councillor Alan Todd said: “I was born in bred and Harwich, and nothing like that is Old Harwich - it sticks out like a sore thumb.

“It has to look like Old Harwich, and I object to it on those grounds.”

The planning committee requested to seek further information about who would have responsibility over the pier.

The planning committee voted unanimously against the application, with their objection being sent to Tendring Council which will decide on the plans.