Update: August 18th
Over 30 residents attended a public meeting on 15th August to talk with Jonathan Frank, the owner of Lexden Restorations, who is planning to develop the ancient orchard behind Irvine Road. Jonathan Frank stated his willingness to work with the residents to develop a scheme along the lines of the latest planning consultation document issued by Colchester Borough Council.
This would allow development on 40% of the orchard on the condition that the remainder of the area remains intact and a conservation management plan is agreed and implemented. Key questions regarding the development were raised by the residents regarding parking, traffic, the number and style of houses, and what happens to the land that is not developed where there was a strong interest in creating an orchard owned and managed by the community. In response Jonathan Frank offered to come back to the residents with a proposed development that seeks to address as many of their concerns as possible and invited the residents to make a proposal for what they wanted for the remainder of the space.
Whether residents will support the development will depend on what Jonathan Frank comes back with but an overwhelming majority felt that this compromise development was worth pursuing further with only two residents either wanting more information or wanting to object to the development.
As a result, the IRARA committee will put together an outline proposal for the community orchard and seek residents views in October when we also expect to see the development proposals.
If you want to know more, please email info@irara.org.uk
IRARA have arranged a public meeting at the Arclight Bowls Club in Eudo Road to enable members and local residents to talk directly to the property developer planning to develop the ancient orchard behind Irvine Road. If you want to have your say, or just find out more, please come along.
As some of you may be aware, the latest planning consultation document issued by Colchester Borough Council has agreed to allow some development on the site of the ancient orchard, on the condition that 60% of the area remains intact and a conservation management plan is agreed and implemented, so there is a lot to talk about.
The meeting is scheduled to start at 7.30pm on Monday August 15th.
The Arclight Bowls Club is behind the Boadicea Way playing fields. Just follow the yellow arrow!