Up to 90 homes at The Elms, East Bergholt, Colchester

What was proposed

An outline scheme sought up to 90 homes, including up to 45 affordable homes, with access, open space, play and infrastructure.

“Outline planning application (with all matters reserved except primary means of access from Rosemary Road) for the construction of up to 90 dwellings with associated green, blue and grey infrastructure including ground remodelling and ancillary service infrastructure.”

“Imogen Hopkin – Senior Planning Officer: Planning Committee 21 st July 2026 application is made in outline with all matters reserved excepted access, so an indicative plan has been provided at this stage, which shows a footpath surrounding the site, along with a new footpath onto the Bridgnorth Road. The primary access is from Rosemary Road, and the secondary access is from Foxglove Way.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered Wombourne a sustainable location, the site Grey Belt, and the housing, infrastructure and affordable homes significant benefits.

“Recent changes to national Green Belt policy have introduced the concept of Grey Belt and identified a number of criteria (NPPF paragraph 155) which, if satisfied, would determine if the site should be considered as Grey Belt rather than Green Belt. The applicant has put forward a case for Grey Belt development under paragraph 155 of the NPPF.”

“Imogen Hopkin – Senior Planning Officer: Planning Committee 21 st July 2026 ii) The site meets the criteria identifies within paragraph 155 of the NPPF 6.1.18 The glossary of the NPPF defines Grey Belt as: “land in the Green Belt comprising previously developed land and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to any of the purposes (a), (b) or (d) in paragraph 143.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, ecology, drainage, conservation and other consultees raised no objections subject to conditions or contributions, while the parish councils objected.

“In order for Green Belt policy restrictions to be disapplied the proposal would need to satisfy the criteria identified in NPPF para 155. The applicant will need to submit additional details to support the full application demonstrating how the proposal will satisfy NPPF 155 criteria particularly in relation to criteria (c) and (d).”

“Imogen Hopkin – Senior Planning Officer: Planning Committee 21 st July 2026 accommodate the scale of growth proposed in this case and therefore no requests are hereby made in respect of mitigation towards healthcare infrastructure. SCC Highways 2 nd July 2026 No objection, subject to conditions and S106 contributions. Amended plans have been received to address the concerns raised by the Highways Authority.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Seventy-two comments were received, including 71 objections, covering the Green Belt, landscape, traffic, amenities, wildlife, drainage and infrastructure.

“Imogen Hopkin – Senior Planning Officer: Planning Committee 21 st July 2026 No Response Received Cadent Gas Limited (formerly National Grid) No Response Received National Grid Electricity Distribution No Response Received 5.2 Contributors 5.2.1 A total of 72 comments has been received, including 71 objections and 1 representation.”

“- Not part of the local plan process, so undermines plan-led development - If the emerging local plan is adopted before this application is determined, the application should be refused in relation to the emerging plan - Inappropriate development within the Green Belt - Undermines the principles of the Green Belt - Coalesce of villages within the Green Belt, and potential for urban sprawl - ‘Very Special Circumstances’ have not been demonstrated - Site fails to be…”

Officer report

The decision

“that the application be APPROVED subject conditions and the signing of a s106 agreement as detailed within the Planning Officer's report and the update list.”

Minutes, 21 Jul 2026