Build a link road before 7,500 homes, says council

A crucial link road must be built before work starts on a major housing development, councillors said.

About 7,500 homes have been planned for land east of Colchester, creating a new garden community on the Tendring border in Essex.

Construction of a new road connecting the A120 and A133 started in 2024, but the project was thrown into uncertainty after the government said it would not fund £70m needed to finish it.

Colchester City Council voted to proceed with the homes plan on Monday, but only once the route was in place to tackle congestion.

Pam Cox, the city's Labour MP, said following an "infrastructure-first approach" was a "turning point" for the council.

"We've chosen to take control of our future - to plan for homes, schools, roads and surgeries together, not in isolation," she added.

Tendring District Council had already agreed to adopt the development with the same link road condition.

However, questions have persisted over whether it would ever be able to go ahead.

In 2020, £99.9m funding was secured from the Conservative government to fund a rapid transit system connecting Colchester with the development.

But in 2025, the Labour administration said an "escalation of costs" while building the neighbouring link road left a £70m shortfall - and it was not willing to pay the difference.

Housing minister Rushanara Ali insisted a new town could be built without the road, but it would consist of 2,500 fewer properties.

Schools, a hotel, GP surgeries and sports facilities have been included in blueprints.

Colchester City Council, which is run by a Liberal Democrat and Labour coalition, said it could begin funding bids after voting to proceed.

"This is our best chance to shape growth on our terms," Cox added.

"I will continue to push for the funding and delivery of the infrastructure our residents deserve."

Conservatives on Colchester City Council moved to delay the vote in a bid to force the government to stump up the £70m.

They accused rival councillors of "giving away the best chance of forcing the government" to fund the road.

Group leader Paul Dundas said: "We hope the gamble works and the money appears because Colchester is stuck otherwise.

"We'll just hear more excuses and there'll be gridlock."

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