Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community Development Plan Document (DPD)

A clearly defined buffer zone for Crockleford Heath needs to be drawn up. Proactive traffic management needs to be implemented that recognises the limitations of existing infrastructure and its ability to cope with increasing volumes of traffic (which will only be exacerbated as the community develops, even with the drive for sustainable transport options).

Whilst I support the overall plan, I am concerned regarding the impact upon Crockleford Heath. Rightly, this has been designated as an area of special character, however, there seems little definitive in terms of protecting this. Unlike Elmstead and Wivenhoe, there is little in the way of a buffer to new development encroaching on and absorbing what exists. Lanes and trees need to be protected and careful consideration needs to be given to traffic management within this existing community as, frequently, it is used as a rat run when issues occur on the A133.

I broadly support this aspect of the Plan providing clear thought is given to the design of the new community and it is not allowed to 'drift' into bland structures, with limited open space, that offer little to enhance the development. If, as is stated, it adopts a 'landscape led approach' that genuinely allows for residents to have access to amenity space, and that protects the existing environment, the Plan will be positive.

The provision of education, health and other facilities should be prioritised from the outset. If the community is to be sustainable, people need access to such facilities so that they do not go 'outside' the community in order to access them. If they do, the danger is that this becomes the norm and the new community risks having a 'hollowed out' feel.

It is essential that there is appropriate infrastructure in place from the outset for the proposed community. Schools, health care, places of worship and community facilities must be provided so that new residents have access to these. There are significant demands upon facilities within Colchester and its surrounding areas that will only be exacerbated if infrastructure is not in place. Local schools are full; health facilities are under pressure; and, community hubs are under-resourced. If the Plan is to reflect need, these areas must be addressed.

There should be a clear obligation for the link road to be completed before development begins.

The concept of the community was presented as being infrastucture driven, with a link road being a key feature due to the increasing traffic issues affecting this side of Colchester. Without this being built/ completed before development begins, these issues will only increase. Existing roads within the search area are country lanes, in the main, that cannot sustain large numbers of vehicles. The RTS that is proposed is a bus service that will be 'demand led', yet does not fully recognise the increasing growth of out of town amenities around Colchester which mean people need transport to get to them.

The link road must be built before development begins. If the intentions only to part build the road, the question arises as to whether the Plan is sound as it does not then meet garden community criteria.

This is a very vague section of the Plan with little commitment to funding other than through references to possible sources. Given the link road was a key selling point of the scheme, it is concerning that full funding for this is not in place and that it is proposed to build a section rather than the whole road. A community of the scale planned will place significant demands on existing infrastructure and will impact upon existing roads and communities. The link road would help mitigate these.