Wed 16th May 2018, John Lampon Hall, Lexden Rd at 7.30pm

Aside from the principle objections, strong arguments can also be made that, as it is not part of integrated planning over the course of the next 15 years, there is not the infrastructure, school places or facilities to support this application.

The entrance onto the development off Armoury Road is not considered suitable as it is a single carriageway narrow road which is not adopted.

The proposed development, situated outside the Settlement Boundary, is viewed as unwanted by a significant number of the residents of West Bergholt and by the Parish Council.  The existing Local Plan is against this location for such development and Colchester Borough Council’s emerging draft Local Plan has already indicated elsewhere a more appropriate and sustainable area for the main housing development in the West Bergholt Parish over the next 15 years.  These proposals dovetail into those of the similarly emerging West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan resulting from four years of consultation with residents and local businesses.  In both cases, the site continues to be outside the Settlement Boundary.

Aside from the principle objections, strong arguments can also be made that, as it is not part of integrated planning over the course of the next 15 years, there is not the infrastructure or facilities, such as capacity of the existing surgery and pharmacy, to support this application.

The proposed development, situated outside the Settlement Boundary, is viewed as inappropriately located by a significant number of the residents of West Bergholt and by the Parish Council.  Its location exacerbates rather than prevents the coalescence of settlement patterns between Colchester and West Bergholt. There are no exceptional circumstances which would justify any departure from such policies.  In addition, it would result in another junction not far from the current Maltings Park, and is a significant distance away from the main village facilities leading to an increase in vehicle use.

With regards to the housing, the existing Local Plan is against this location for such development and Colchester Borough Council’s emerging draft Local Plan has already indicated elsewhere a more appropriate and sustainable area for the main housing development in the West Bergholt Parish over the next 15 years.  These proposals dovetail into those of the similarly emerging West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan resulting from four years of consultation with residents and local businesses.  In both cases, the site continues to be outside the Settlement Boundary.

The Council would refer to policies DG7, DG10, DG12, DG13 and DG15 of the CBC adopted Village Design Statement, regarding height, dominance and building lines.