Tuesday 14th March, 2023
The Tendring and Colchester Borders Garden Community project is facing criticism after delays in the decision making process until after the local elections.
This delay is posing a high risk to the timetable for the project and the delivery of the first phase of homes and infrastructure.
Colchester City Council claims that the delay could put the Housing Infrastructure Funding agreement with Homes England at risk.
At a Special Council meeting on March 23, 2023, the Tendring and Colchester Borders Garden Community Joint Committee will present their recommendations to Colchester City Council
The recommendations are to approve the Submission Version of the Development Plan Document (DPD) for the Garden Community for public consultation. Plus to submit it to the Secretary of State to start the independent examination process.
Full Council will be asked to endorse the recommendations and work collaboratively with the developer Latimer to deliver the garden community.
A Memorandum of Understanding will also need to be signed to govern the relationship between the Councils and Latimer in relation to the delivery of the A120-A133 Link Road.
However, the proposal is to consult on the DPD for six weeks later in 2023 following the Local Elections. This delay is a cause of concern for the project. It may put the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) at risk, which is essential for the delivery of the Garden Community.
LibDem Councillor Andrea Luxford-Vaughan is expected to oppose the recommendations. She has been the only one scrutinising the plans on behalf of her Wivenhoe residents.
Waiting until after the local elections is a safeguarding move, in the event of the City Council administration changing hands again.
Given that the Colchester Tories will support the Garden Community in or out of office, it seems a little petty to put the scheme on hold.
Without the DPD in place, the Councils are in a weaker position with regards to their respective Local Plans, and the principle of development in this area has already been established.
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