This is how we’ll transform wharf

These artist’s impressions show how developers envisage the wharf could look in about four years.

They show the new skyline seen across the River Colne from Wivenhoe, with new housing, restaurants, businesses and community facilities.

Wharf Land Investments, based in London, said in its planning application: “The most important issue is that of extending a historic village without diluting its character.

“Rowhedge has a fragile economic profile and new development must help bolster this, rather than directly compete with it.”

The plan includes 170 homes, nine of which would be built above new business premises, offices and restaurants.

However, developers say they cannot provide any affordable homes at the moment because of the state of the housing market.

There are plans to build a three-storey health centre and create a public waterfront area with a dinghy park, car park, viewing tower and new slipway.

An access road would be upgraded from Rectory Road, and a new footpath built through Donyland Woods connecting Haul Road and the existing recreation ground.

The estimated cost of the project is not known.

Objections to the bid include an increase in traffic, further pressure on schools and healthcare facilities and potential damage to the river and wildlife.

One comment left on Colchester Council’s website says: “This development will ruin the rural environment of the river valley.

“The valley is a vital area for nesting birds, additions to the population will disrupt an area of outstanding beauty. Visually it will turn the valley into an urban area.

“There is no provision for the activities of the children living on the new development. Once again, they will be forced to hang about on street corners and will no doubt damage the eco-system on the river and marshes.”

The wharf was originally developed for mineral and gravel workings, which stopped in the 1960s. Industrial activities were operational on site until about ten years ago.