Residents remain opposed to Witham Station car park plans

Around 40 residents attended a meeting with the rail operator, MP Priti Patel and Essex County Council deputy leader Kevin Bentley.

At the meeting, Greater Anglia said it would be submitting revised plans in response to homeowners’ concerns over access, congestion and the outlook of several nearby homes.

Despite the proposed changes, Sam Mott, of Avenue Road, said residents were still unhappy.

“There have been some concessions made and the plan is to move the multi-storey car park about 3m from the flats and to put in some landscaping,” she said.

“But if I lived in those homes backing on to it I would still not be happy.

“They said they listened, but they are still planning to go ahead with it despite the fact residents are against it.

“They have stepped it back a little, but it is still a massive great structure. It will still be a monstrosity as far as I am concerned.”

Residents plan to maintain their opposition and have the backing of county councillor James Abott (Green, Witham North).

Ms Patel called the meeting “constructive” and thanked all parties for engaging.

She said: “I am encouraged by the engagement by key stakeholders and Greater Anglia and the way in which they are listening to the concerns of residents.

“Greater Anglia will be re-submitting their application with changes to address these concerns.

She added: “It is vitally important that the views of residents are both understood and fully considered which is why I held two public meetings on this specific plan.”

Paul Oxley, Greater Anglia’s public affairs manager, said the company was happy to work with residents and had already made changes based on feedback.

He added: “We would encourage all interested parties to engage with Braintree District Council during the planning process.”

Both long and short-term solutions to Witham’s traffic, congestion and infrastructure issues are set to be explored by Essex Highways.