COLCHESTER MP Sir Bob Russell has called for a public inquiry into plans to build 1,600 homes in Mile End. The Lib Dem wants a Government inspector to determine the outline application for 100 acres of land off Nayland Road.

Developers Mersea Homes and Countryside Properties submitted the bid to Colchester Council last month.

Sir Bob described the plans as a planning and environmental disaster without parallel in Colchester.

He said: “The whole development proposals are ill-thought-out. They destroy important areas of attractive countryside, most of it representing the precious remaining open space within urban Colchester, which has seen more land developed in the last 30 years than the combined near- 2,000 years since the Romans established their first capital in Colchester .

“Land to the west of Mile End should be retained as an important area of green open space. Yes, we need more houses – but urban Colchester also needs to retain as much as we can of the remaining open spaces we have.”

The first of 1,500 homes on the nearby Severalls Hospital development were completed last week.

Mersea Homes and Countryside Properties have promised to expand Mile End Recreation Ground, build primary and secondary schools and a shopping area as part of the development.

Colchester Council has earmarked the land for 2,200 homes, but the developers want to build fewer and have promised to spare more than a third of the site from development.

Sir Bob acknowledged the bid could have been worse. But he said it should not be approved on that basis.

He reserved sharp criticism for the “Alice in Wonderland” transport proposals, which he said would do nothing to ease congestion already suffered by residents in Mile End.

Traffic consultants say residents would use bikes, buses or walk, instead of cars.

So far, about 20 people have also lodged objections to the application, with one resident registering support.

Sir Bob said he had sent his objection letter to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Planning Minister Bob Neill to urge them to “call-in” the application for a public inquiry.