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Give Your Views to Help Shape Growth in North Colchester

View of valley farm landscape

Improved proposals for future development in North Colchester are out for consultation following valuable community feedback.

Colchester Borough Council is seeking views on its revised Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on the development proposed for land west of Mile End and Nayland Roads. The new plans for this area, known as the North Growth Area Urban Extension (NGAUE), are for around 1800 new homes and supporting community facilities.

A primary school and land for a secondary school are being provided as well as an extension to the Fords Lane Playing Fields. These improved community facilities recognise the importance placed on local green and open spaces and will help support the area's excellent community spirit.

Local people previously objected to the 2200 new homes that were proposed. The Council listened to residents and has reduced the number of houses on the site. This will also enable improved car parking provision and garden sizes, which better reflects the Council's new policies.

The changes are informed by the many responses received including those from local residents since consultation on plans for the area in 2010. In response to concerns the Council commissioned the Interdisciplinary Centre for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Essex to engage with a wide cross-section of the local community in 2011.

Responding to feedback on the impact of limited local transport infrastructure and traffic congestion in the area the Council has worked with Essex County Council to develop the North Colchester Travel Strategy which will soon be finalised.

The revised NGAUE SPD supplements policies in the Council's adopted Core Strategy and Site Allocations documents.

The consultation (including the supporting Sustainability Appraisal)is open until 17 February 2012. VIEW THE CONSULTATION HERE.

Responses can be submitted online through the Council's website www.colchester.gov.uk/planningconsult.

Two public events where plans will be on display are being held at Myland Parish Halls, Mile End Road on Wednesday 25 January 3 - 7pm and Saturday 28 January 10.30am - 2.30pm. Consultation documents are also available at the Council's Angel Court office, Colchester central library and in the Myland Community Council Office.

Councillor Nick Barlow, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Sustainability said: 'Feedback from the community has been invaluable to help us revise plans for the area. Whilst I know Mile End residents would prefer no new development this is an allocated site so we hope they can see that we have listened to their views and made improvements.

Extending the playing fields and including a new primary school and land for a secondary school if it is required are to be welcomed. I encourage people to attend one of the events at Myland Parish Hall and give us their views on the revised plans including how the playing fields should be used.'

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media and press enquiries please contact PR and Press Officer Laura Welham on 07815088150 or communications@colchester.gov.uk

For further commentplease contact Councillor Nick Barlow, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Sustainability: 07981 896375