Controversial plans for 100 homes on greenbelt land approved by council

A controversial plan for 100 new homes, a Scout and Girl Guiding Hut and allotments on greenbelt land just outside Colchester have been given the green light by councillors. Horkesley Health Ltd is behind the proposals which also include an associated car park, public open space and associated works, on land to the east of Nayland Road in Great Horkesley.

Colchester Council’s planning committee gave the plans the go-ahead at a meeting on June 13. The council’s local plan had identified the site for 80 homes and the increase in the number of homes meant the application was referred to the committee.

A total of 42 objections were raised to the council against the proposals. They raised a number of concerns including lack of infrastructure for the development, a lack of need for the homes and road safety concerns for the scout and girl guides hut.

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The objectors also raised worries about a possible increase to the number of homes in the plans after the proposals are given approval, an increase from 80 homes in the local plan by the council, intrusion on privacy of residents, poor use of greenbelt land and the village not being able to cope with more homes and traffic.

There was a previous application for 80 homes at the site but the plans expired in April, there was also a previous application for 100 homes but this was withdrawn. The council officer’s report states: “The proposed development has been assessed in line with adopted Local Plan Policies, with the benefit of consultee comment and local representations.

"A consideration of the planning benefits of the proposed development has resulted in a balanced judgement which concludes that the benefits of the scheme outweigh any adverse impacts identified and the application is subsequently recommended for approval subject to a number of planning conditions, as well as section 106 obligations.”

A section 106 agreement requires specified works or activities to be carried out, or for the land to be used in a specified way, as part of a planned development

Horkesley Health Ltd was contacted for comment.