9. UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX AND COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Introduction

9.1 Assistance will be given to both the University of Essex and Colchester Institute to ensure that appropriate facilities are provided to fulfil their current and future educational requirements, given their status as important local centres of research and teaching and their wider roles within the community. Both are also major sources of direct and indirect employment. In considering specific proposals, the Council will also have regard to the wider implications of any development on the site in question, on its surroundings or on the Borough generally.

Policies

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL CONSIDERATIONS

9.2 It is important to note that all policies contained within this chapter must be read alongside the overall Development Control Policy (DC1). This policy sets out the standard planning criteria applicable to all forms of development. The relevant criteria will be used to assess the suitability of any proposal in addition to the following detailed policy guidance.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX

9.3 The University occupies an attractive campus on the edge of the main urban area, part of which is included on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest (see also Policy UEA10). Part west of Boundary Road is of ecological interest and has been designated a SINC (see also Policy CO5).

9.4 In addition to the main area of buildings, parts of the campus are identified for commercial development. Planning permission exists for a Research Park immediately to the east of Boundary Road. The Council supports this development, which is seen as assisting with the overall economic development of the district.

9.5 A further area of land to the west of Boundary Road is also indicated for development. The Council sees scope for this area being developed as an extension to the Research Park, one which could accommodate industrial or office or research uses (B1 or B2) related to activities on either the University itself or the Research Park, but uses that need not necessarily be located on the campus but choose to do so. In addition, other uses within class B1 or B2 would be acceptable. In agreeing specific development, the Council will wish to be satisfied that the development is of a high standard of design given the site’s location and the need not to prejudice the setting of the University or the success of the Research Park. In addition, individual proposals will have to incorporate any necessary measures that may be required, following consultation with English Nature, to prevent significant and measurable loss of nature conservation value on the adjacent SINC.

9.6 In addition, some leisure uses would be acceptable in principle on parts of the site provided they were for sports or ancillary uses, complemented the existing University or employment facilities, and could not be located in the Town Centre or in local centres. A hotel or conference use would also be acceptable. Such uses would not be in conflict with sustainable development principles.

9.7 Residential development has been considered as an alternative use for the proposed development land west of Boundary Road. However, it is acknowledged that the University considers that development solely for this purpose would be unlikely to contribute to the University’s progress and secure the wider mix of activities and integration with the town which will enhance the University. The Council has also allocated sufficient land for housing elsewhere. However, residential development on part of the site as a pump primer for the necessary infrastructure to enable the Research Park to go ahead would be acceptable in principle.

9.8 Any development of this site and the Research Park will contribute towards the regeneration of East Colchester. It is expected that proposals in this general area will also contribute towards the necessary social and community infrastructure at a level consistent with the advice in Circular 1/97. Details of projects will be worked up through the East Colchester Initiative (see Chapter 16, “East Colchester and the Hythe”).

9.9 In transportation terms, the University has carried out many initiatives to encourage cycling, walking and public transport use and the Council will assist the University in furthering these initiatives. One proposal currently being considered is the provision of a new railway station alongside the campus. This needs to be assessed both for the obvious benefits it would bring to the University and the contribution that a new facility could bring to the regeneration of East Colchester.

9.10 Development proposals for University purposes outside the areas specifically allocated for such purposes will be considered in the context of their likely impact on the landscape and nature conservation interests. Parts of the campus are of sufficient importance in landscape or nature conservation terms to justify inclusion within the Salary Brook and Lower Colne Valley CCA. They form part of the green wedge between Colchester and Wivenhoe, which the Council wishes to retain.

 

UC1 Any development within the area denoted by “UE” on the Colchester Inset Proposals Map shall be limited to that for University purposes, including ancillary purposes. The provision of a Research Park occupied by uses specified under planning permission COL/92/0986, dated 7 October 1993 and subsequently renewed, will be supported within the area defined on the Proposals Map. Any development within the area denoted by “UE/C” on the Colchester Inset Proposals Map shall be limited to University purposes (UE) and/or uses specified in paragraph 9.6 for the Research Park and/or other uses within Use Class B1 or B2. In addition, within this latter area: (a) a limited element of residential development would be acceptable; (b) leisure uses as specified in the reasoned justification would be acceptable. Outside these two areas and on the remainder of the campus, proposals for University purposes will be acceptable provided that they have full regard for the landscape and nature conservation interests, including that of the site. Any development proposed for the University site should be of a good standard of design, respect the existing landscape setting and have regard to the nature conservation interest of the Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

9.11 The Institute has undergone a period of steady growth over the past ten years which has seen its student population increase by over 40%. Since incorporation in 1993, the Institute has expanded by over 5% per year to meet Government targets for the further education sector.

9.12 The principle of further student related development at the Colchester Institute site is accepted (other than for residential accommodation) within its current campus boundaries. However, given the site’s visually prominent position on the edge of Colchester Town Centre, views across it will need to be protected to ensure that the impression of a “green backcloth” to the west is safeguarded. Development on the site also needs to be of a high standard, given that there are views across it southwards towards the Town Centre.

9.13 The Institute has prepared its own “master plan” layout for future development at its site, including the removal of existing demountable classrooms, which will enhance the environment.