OBJECTIONS continue to grow against a planning application which could see a former water pumping station flattened to make way for housing.

Hills Construction wants to demolish the pump house in Rowhedge to build 20 more homes.

Nearly 90 objections have been made slamming the revised proposal citing the building’s potential for community use, the properties not being affordable and infrastructure being pushed to capacity.

The deadline for comments is tomorrow (Wednesday 17).

A spokesman for the East Donyland Parish Council, which opposed the application, said: “Back in 2017 the parish council looked at purchasing and renovating the pump house.

“This wasn’t feasible financially so we had to step away from the project.

“It couldn’t be added to Colchester Council’s community asset register as it hasn’t been used as a community asset, which is a stipulation of being put on the list.”

Colchester councillor Lee Scordis said the proposed homes and 45 car parking spaces will be added to the already growing Wharf Development.

“We’re yet to see the impact of the Wharf Development on Rowhedge and surrounding areas regarding traffic and school places as not even half of the current site is built.

“Building another 20 houses before the current site is completed is the wrong course of action and I hope the planning committee take this into consideration.”

Councillors say the land was previously allocated for community use.

Residents have shared their memories of parents working at the old pump house while others want to see it listed with Historic England.

A resident living in Rectory Road wrote: “The pump house is part of our village history and should be preserved.”

Another commented: “As new buyers we were assured Hills wouldn’t erect buildings that would obstruct our view of the waterfront and this planning application is a direct breach of that express promise.

“Drainage is already an issue and to add an additional 20 families to the already overburdened system would be detrimental to the village and affect our property value negatively."

Colchester Council will have the final say on the proposed development.

But to submit your views, click here.

  • Adam Fox (pictured) is standing for election for Labour to the Old Heath & The Hythe ward. The other candidates are  Andrew Canessa (Green), Mark Kiley (Lib Dem) and Michael Mcdonnell (Cons).