Essex Area Faces 20000 Homes Despite Infrastructure Concerns

The government wants more homes built in Colchester and has increased the building targets. Over 20,000 new homes could be built in 16 years, with the government aiming for 1,300 homes each year.

Colchester Council will discuss a local plan to address this. This plan includes housing and business growth until 2041 and features homes in several locations around Colchester. For example, they plan 2,000 homes in northeast Colchester, while another 1,500 are planned south of Marks Tey.

The council will meet January 17 to discuss the plan, with the public able to comment for six weeks in March. One council leader feels the plan ignores Colchester’s needs and questions infrastructure support for this growth, asking where the new roads and schools will be.

A planning councillor urges residents to get involved, so that everyone should understand the plan’s scale and its impact on rural areas. Soon, people can share their thoughts, allowing for wider participation.

The Council states they want well-planned growth and that their plan shapes Colchester’s future up to 2041. It balances homes, infrastructure, environment, and the economy, and research backs how they manage the growth.

The plan aligns with national rules, meets housing needs, and improves infrastructure, while also protecting the environment. The council encourages public involvement, as this helps shape Colchester.