Ex-planning boss blasts ‘tokenistic’ changes to Alumno's Colchester plans

Ex-principal planning officer Mark Russell, who formerly worked for Colchester Council, has written to the authority to reaffirm his objections to the scheme, despite a number amendments being made by the developers Alumno.

Although he admits the plans, which now include 336 students rooms, an altered skyline and boundary changes, are a “very slight improvement” he said they remain “woefully inadequate”.

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In a four-page assessment of the scheme Mr Russell said: “Having looked at the alterations made, these do appear to be tokenistic, so I must maintain my objection.”

“I do not oppose some student accommodation here, but what

is being proposed is not acceptable.

“If this quantum of development is required to make the scheme pay, then the scheme simply should not go ahead.

“Please think again - we only get one chance at this.

“This site is too important and I do not believe a proposal like this would be given house in York, Chester, Durham or any other historic town.”

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The controversial scheme, the latest incarnation of which has attracted more than 150 objections, is expected to go before Colchester Council’s planning committee later this month.

Colchester’s High Steward Sir Bob Russell has written to the planning committee asking members to refuse the application.

In the letter he said: “The planning objections are many, from people and organisations whose knowledge and competence should command respect in ensuring that the application is refused.

“The proposed development in scale and appearance is not in accord with the best planning principles which should apply for such an important site, particularly its dominant overlooking of the Roman Wall whose historic importance should prevail.”

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