Our Planning Work
The Society encourages the best modern architecture and is prepared to comment on planning matters at every level. We respond to consultations on planning issues, from specific sites to the more general Local Plan. We also support the conservation of our older buildings of merit – buildings that are of historical importance, add to a street scene, are architecturally pleasing or simply of sentimental value within the community. We often raise our concerns about the condition of such buildings.
A recent example of where the Society’s intervention yielded a positive result is shown here.
Bow window in Colchester High Street
The Bow window restored!
Planning Applications large and small
The society was actively involved in opposing the proposed Alumno Development alongside Firstsite and worked with Colchester Borough Council and OMCI (Greyfriars) in opposing this at the planning enquiry.This is just one of many applications that the society comments on or objects to on an ongoing basis.
A more recent example was the Society’s opposition to the proposal by Lion Walk Shopping Centre to paint a mural on vestry wall of Holy Trinity Church. The Society actively opposed this application for Historic Building Consent and helped to raise considerable opposition from ward councillors, historians, members of the society and other concerned residents of the town. The application was called in by Castle Ward Councillor Mark Goacher and went to a full Planning Department hearing, at which John Burton (president of the Society) spoke on our behalf. Significantly the application was also opposed by the Conservation Officer and the Historic England Inspector in reports which largely mirrored the points in the Society’s objection (see link below). With such a weight of opposition it was no surprise that the application was refused.
Colchester Civic Society comments on or objects to planning applications both large and small.
Listed here are the results of the most recent applications to have been considered by the Colchester Planning Department, for which we offered comments or objections. This is followed by new applications which we commented on or objected to which have yet to be considered by Planning.
Planning Applications commented on or opposed
241994 55 Maidenburgh Street replacement of original timber by UPVC Windows Object .
241829Hill House 183 Lexden Road Tree removal etc. Mainly on Tapwoods . Comment against.
241864 Old Rectory Spring Lane Lexden. Comment against new application for housing in land.
241852 1st Floor 17-33 Long Wyre Street. 22 flats with courtyard. Oppose .
241697 Little Glebe Spring Lane Lexden application for 3 dwellings in garden . Comment against .
242024 Little Glebe Spring Lane Lexden Demolish cottage and erect 4 bed house. Comment.
241833 19 Dragoon Road single story extension with flat roof & UPVC windows in Conservation area at Cavalry Barracks. Comment against.
10 St Botolph’s Street New shop front and signage . Comment re Council shop front guidance guide.
242058 The Limes 11 St Isaacs Walk Erect garage to front of Grade II Listed house. Object .
242178 Wendy’s Culver Street signage Comment.
242132 10 Wickham Road Composite front door in Conservation Area and alterations to rear doorway . Object.
242221 Hill House 83 Lexden Road More tree works in Conservation Area . Strong comment.
242206 Land at East Bay on going scheme for 20 houses at Doe’s Mill to change the materials approved to cheaper alternatives. Comment against.
242260 24 New Town Road dormer roof to front aspect of fine quality house. Object.
242061 Application for works for Jumbo . Support.
242127 33-35 St Botolph’s Street . Conversion of upper floors to flats and g/f/ to 1 self contained flat with first floor extension in view of the Priory and Church. Comment against.
242073 Garden Arch 304 Straight Road Comment against
242247 Hudson’s 19 Head Street conversion of upper floors to un managed hotel rooms. Comment against.
Applications decided
240020 Approved demolition of various at the ABRO site.
241737 Approved Trinity Square 4 x A1 poster boards as information updates on Council projects.
232754 Approved Land east of Albert Street for 8 dwellings
241806 Approved 17-33 Long Wyre Street unit for the LGBQ bar/theatre
241994 Approved 44 Maidenburgh Street UPVC windows installed some years ago for Lawful Development Certificate
241875 Refused 184 Magdalen Street Loft conversion.
241688 Approved 2 Creffield Road Extension to 1st floor.
241725 Approved/refused split 14 Maidenburgh Street . Replacement rear door approved. Replacement front door refused.
241102 Approved 119 High Street Signage for “ A Slots “, Admiral Casino
241857 Approved Bunting Rooms .Approved new frontage /fire escape.
241445 Refused 4 Century House, North Station Road . New frontage vinyl and signage for “ 8 BALL CAF “
241558 Approved United Reform Church 9 Lion Walk .New signage