A GROUP of residents took to the streets of Coggeshall to protest against plans for a school, shopping centre and 350 new homes.
More than 100 members of the Coggeshall Community Action Group marched through the town on Sunday (September 14) to express their concerns at proposals for the 'Honywood Community Science School Project', which could stretch across the A120.
The group walked two miles across the countryside from the town's Victorian Clock Tower, to Marks Hall, to demonstrate that the scheme forms a joint venture between the school and the gardens estate.
Group chairman, Martyn Lucas, said: "The group has been overwhelmed by the strength of feeling about this proposed development, which is out of proportion and risks exacerbating overcrowding on our local roads and trains, poses a greater future flood risk in our village and will put further strain on the overcrowded primary school and doctor's surgery
"We have also been overwhelmed by the support we have received from local residents and like-minded organisations and their willingness to help us in what may well be a long and difficult fight."
Carrying placards and wearing protest T-shirts, more than 150 residents joined the march against the proposed £30 million school development, which would include 350 houses, and an industrial park, much of which would be constructed on Marks Hall Estate land.
It is believed the development would grow the population of the town by 20 per cent.
The project is an idea being explored by Marks Hall, in collaboration with the Honywood Community Science School and three other local landowners.
The estate say it would fund the building of a new, purpose built state-of-the-art premises for Honywood School, without investment from Essex County Council.
The proceeds from the residential development would also secure £5 million of additional funds for the Marks Hall Charitable Trust, which would be invested in the future of the historic recreational facility.
Chairman of trustees at Marks Hall, Graeme Fraser Steele, said: "We recognise that not all members of our community support these proposed changes to Coggeshall and we respect both their community spirit and their right to express their views.
"We firmly believe that the Honywood Project offers tangible benefits to the community.
"Future generations of children and residents in and around Coggeshall could benefit from the enhanced educational and recreational facilities that a new community school will offer.
"In addition, the income would allow us to invest in the long term future of Marks Hall, ensuring this celebrated landscape is enhanced and maintained for the benefit and enjoyment of the public now and for many generations to come."
The Coggeshall Community Action Group was formed in April by residents opposed to the project.
"Upon arriving at Marks Hall we handed over a cardboard house covered with signatures of those protesting against the development to Graeme Fraser Steele, Chairman of Trustees," added Martyn.
"We invited Marks Hall to attend a public open meeting in Coggeshall which Mr Fraser Steele was reluctant to commit to.
"We hope to arrange an open meeting, chaired by an independent mediator, to open up dialogue between CCAG and those involved in the planned development."
