Essex Wildlife Trust writes to council over Middlewick sale

Essex Wildlife Trust has called on the authority to “permanently safeguard” the threatened Colchester beauty spot, which is earmarked for the development of 1,000 homes.

A letter sent by Annie Gordon, conservation planning co-ordinator, to planners and councillors says the Wick is “an outstandingly important site for wildlife” in the east of England.

Annie wrote: “At 76 hectares, it is one of the largest local wildlife sites in the area and, on its own, represents nearly four per cent of the district’s total wildlife site acreage.”

The site is owned by the Ministry of Defence

The trust feels Middlewick Ranges “is almost certainly now of national importance for insect biodiversity” with a wide range of rare species found at the site.

The letter claims the UK is one of the most “nature-depleted” countries in the world and urges Colchester Council to “declare a nature emergency as a matter of priority”.

The council says it remains “committed to providing a thorough and accurate response” which “comprehensively addresses” residents’ worries as part of its local plan review.

“The local plan review will involve a rational re-assessment of the appropriate use of the Middlewick Ranges,” a spokesman said.

Campaigners protesting against the redevelopment of Middlewick Ranges outside Colchester Town Hall (Image: Newsquest)

“This approach adheres to statutory requirements and must follow the correct procedures.”

The council has commissioned an independent ecological survey after a group of ecologists picked flaws in a previously completed survey.

The independent survey will include an assessment of the ecologists’ submissions, the council said.

The spokesman added: “We have already provided an initial response to the initial letters from the ecologists.

“However, recognising the need for further clarification, we are currently drafting a comprehensive response undergoing internal review to fully encompass all relevant information and perspectives.

“We understand the desire for a quicker response, but we believe taking the necessary time to ensure a well-informed and effective response aligned with the local plan review is crucial.”

The final response will be submitted when the review process and independent survey are complete, he added.

The defence ministry-owned site went on the market in November last year.