Colchester City Council recently outlined innovative proposals for building affordable homes on land owned by the council. This effort includes addressing the critical need for more housing across the region. The proposed location is very strategically located immediately adjacent to the Colchester Park and Ride facility. It also has great transport connections into the city centre, hospitals, train station and the University of Essex. This new effort aims to produce permanent, affordable homes for families having a difficult time locating appropriate housing.
Mark Cory, the Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for resources and assets, called it “a great step forward”. He said that making these plots available will help accelerate the delivery of affordable homes. Simultaneously, it forces the development to reflect larger priorities to be sustainable and connected.
“By releasing these plots, we’re not only accelerating the delivery of affordable homes, but also ensuring that development aligns with our wider goals for sustainability, connectivity, and inclusive growth.” – Mark Cory
Her party’s housing portfolio holder Julie Young slammed these decisions, saying Colchester was facing a “growing and urgent” housing crisis. She noted that many families in the area are living in temporary accommodations or struggling to find homes that meet their needs.
“Too many families in Colchester are living in temporary accommodation or struggling to find a home that meets their needs.” – Julie Young
Here’s what Young had to say about how this effort is recovering essential housing and connecting communities for greater opportunity. She emphasized the importance of requiring all land offers include 100% affordable units, including contractual provisions to bind this requirement.
“This is about using council-owned land to create homes that people can actually afford – homes that are close to jobs, schools, and transport links.” – Julie Young
The focus of the proposed development area has outstanding access. It intends to connect with a future, TND-style, Twig garden community, making both residents’ and visitors’ experiences significantly more enriching. A council spokesperson pointed out the strategic significance of this decision. They pointed out that affordable housing providers have been overwhelmingly interested.
“This strategic move showcases the council’s commitment to using its own land to make a real difference for residents facing housing challenges.” – Colchester City Council
Furthermore, the spokesperson highlighted that the council is committed to ensuring that development progresses alongside essential infrastructure improvements, which will support the area’s growing population.
We solicited statements from the Conservative council group leader and reps from the Green party – their response to this bold initiative. They had not responded by the time we published this article.
