Update - Mr David Cooper has been chosen as one of the 10 people to address the Local Plan Committee on Monday 17th February at Charter Hall, where he will have 3 minutes to address the Committee and a further minute for a response. This also represents the view of West Mersea Town Council.
Please note that Charter Hall will open at 5pm for the public with the meeting starting promptly at 6pm.
To view the statement: click here
A local resident, Mr Graham Farley, on behalf of the Mersea Island Environmental Alliance (MIEA), has raised concerns with West Mersea Town Council regarding the Food Standards Agency's warnings about the impact of increased sewage from proposed housing developments on Mersea's oyster industry. Additionally, there are significant concerns about the effect of this sewage on the island's bathing waters, posing risks to public health and the local economy.
West Mersea Town Council shares these concerns and has requested that Colchester City Council considers the statement from Graham Farley in the revised Local Plan. The Council hopes and expects that no planning permissions will be granted for developments that would significantly harm the quality of local oysters or adversely affect the island's bathing waters.
These concerns are especially pressing given the recent announcement that Mersea has been provisionally allocated 300 additional properties in the revised Local Plan, in addition to the 200 properties currently under construction.
To view the statement: click here
Colchester City Council is set to discuss the Preferred Options for the Local Plan at the Local Plan Committee meeting on 17th February 2025, marking a crucial step in shaping the city's future. The plan outlines key proposals for housing, transport, green spaces, and economic growth, with a six-week consultation period following the meeting to allow residents to review and provide feedback. This engagement will help refine the final plan to reflect the needs and priorities of the community.
The meeting details, including agenda can be found on the Colchester City Council website: click here
New Essex Air Quality Strategy out for consultation. This is being run by Essex County Council but is supported by all Councils in Essex. There is an informative and understandable video produced as part of it which is worth a watch. The consultation closes on 2nd March 2025.
Solar Together scheme launches - The scheme which allows residents to express an interest in getting solar panels and/or battery storage for their property by entering this collective buying scheme, residents get a cheaper quote than if they were to get an individual quote. In 2024, residents typically saw a saving of 20-37% on their solar and/or battery quote with the Solar Together scheme.
Support for schools to create climate action plans with the new Essex Schools Climate Action Network and an upcoming conference on Sustainability and education.
For more information, see the newsletter: click here
To view the latest edition of the Community Micro-enterprise Project Directory (February 2025): click here
Colchester City Residents' Panel is open to anyone living in Colchester who is 18 years old or older.
Colchester City Council would like to hear what the residents of our wonderful city have to say. We want to have your input for the future of Colchester.
To sign up online, click on the link: Colchester residents' panel, and you will receive emails with updates and invitations for future meetings.
For more information, view the poster: click here
An Energy Saving document containing lots of useful information has been supplied by Colchester City Council. For more details: click here
1. Cost of Living Support. For more information: click here
Colchester City Council have put together a list of warm welcoming spaces, if you know of a space that is not shown on the link above, please email communities@colchester.gov.uk with the details.
2. A One Colchester support video has been commissioned by Colchester City Council and partners called 'Here to help you and your family'. To view the video: click here
3. A programme of outreach continues with Colchester City Council officers attending a variety of events and locations to offer advice.
4. Contact details for support. Website: click here - Email: benefits.advice@colchester.gov.uk - Telephone: 01206 505855
Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The Colchester Borough Council Vehicular Nuisance Public Space Protection Order 2022
The order takes effect on 30th September 2022 and has a duration of 3 years. This order relates to the whole of the Colchester Borough Council district, including Mersea Island.
For more information: click here
West Mersea Town Council
10 Melrose Road, West Mersea
Colchester, Essex, CO5 8JD
Email: carol.fountain@westmerseatowncouncil.gov.uk
Telephone: 01206 382128
Office opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Friday
9am to 12pm.
You can still contact us by telephone and email at other times.