Date issued: 29 August 2025
Colchester City Council has confirmed that it is withdrawing its interest in the potential development of a new town at Marks Tey.
In December 2024, the council submitted a response to the Government’s New Towns Taskforce Call for Evidence, identifying Marks Tey as a location worth exploring for significant growth. This submission was made on the clear understanding that any housing delivery would be supported by appropriate levels of infrastructure and that housing numbers delivered on the site would count towards the council’s annual housing targets.
Since then, two key developments have changed the position. Last month, the council was informed that the proposed scheme to widen the A12 had been cancelled. Without this critical infrastructure, the area’s capacity for large-scale growth is severely constrained. While the Government has indicated it will explore smaller-scale interventions, the current position is untenable.
There has also never been certainty that homes delivered through a New Town would count towards the council’s housing targets. The most recent statement from the planning minister in July suggested the Government is “considering” this, but no firm commitment has been made. Given these uncertainties, the council cannot support significant additional housing beyond the levels already set by Government policies.
Cllr Andrea Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Sustainable Development, said: “We remain committed to delivering much-needed affordable housing, but large-scale development at Marks Tey is not viable without major infrastructure investment and clarity on housing targets. Our focus now is on progressing our Local Plan.”
The council expects to publish its Regulation 18 draft Local Plan later this year. This will set out sustainable growth plans for Colchester, including housing allocations that reflect local needs and infrastructure capacity. The council is aware that an Expression of Interest was submitted by land promoters and has requested to be kept informed of any announcements relating to this.
Colchester City Council remains committed to openness and transparency and will continue to work closely with residents, stakeholders, and partners to shape a sustainable future for the city.
Page last reviewed: 29 August 2025