Call for Middlewick Ranges to become community woodland

Lee Scordis (Lab, Old Heath and Hythe) wants Colchester Council to look at Middlewick Ranges as part of its Colchester Woodland Project, which will see 200,000 trees planted across the borough over the next five years.

Once military operations stop in 2021, Middlewick is set to be sold by the MOD so housing can be built on the land.

The controversial plans have generated huge opposition from residents, who want to save the much-loved community space and wildlife haven.

Mr Scordis said: “This is the perfect spot for a woodland which would satisfy the need of the residents and the council.

“It would allow us to keep the vital green space the town needs in the south, good for the local wildlife which currently includes badgers, foxes and deer, help us tackle the climate emergency we face and also allow us to celebrate the history of the land in creative ways.

“Almost everyone agrees there is not the necessary infrastructure in the area for a significant number of homes in the south of Colchester and there’s also no scope to increase the road infrastructure. I hope the MOD, whoever our future MP is and Colchester Council can work together to make this possible.”

Middlewick Ranges is a much-loved beauty spot

Middlewick, known locally as The Wick, is owned by the MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

The DIO is working on draft proposals to build up to 1,000 homes as well as community facilities on the land, which has been allocated as part of Colchester Council’s draft Local Plan.

The results of the consultation, which closed in August, are set to be published soon.

David King, councillor responsible for business and resources, said: “Middlewick Ranges, which is allocated in the Emerging Local Plan for mixed use including housing, open space and community uses, already contains a wealth of wildlife habitats, including wet woodland.

“The future of the ranges has yet to be finalised through the Local Plan process, but a key aim of the Colchester Woodland Project in general will be to ensure the planning process results in more land being allocated and planted with trees within any new developments in response to the Climate Emergency and to make an even Better Colchester.

“We will take any opportunity we can through the planning process for increased tree-planting, to enhance the biodiversity value of the Ranges for future generations of residents to enjoy.”

The 200,000 trees are set to be planted at 20 sites across the borough, offsetting 32,000 tonnes of carbon in the trees’ lifetime, including at one new community woodland site.