Angry residents have protested against controversial plans to build 1,000 homes on Army firing ranges in Colchester.

The proposal for Middlewick Ranges, which is due to be sold off by the Ministry of Defence in 2019/20, has been included in the draft Local Plan from Colchester Borough Council.

Tests for contamination, archeology and ecology still need to be carried out to determine where exactly on the site the houses may go.

But nearby residents say the site is unsuitable due to the ammunition on the site, and also say it is key habitat for wildlife.

They held up placards at a consultation meeting for the Local Plan held in Old Heath on Wednesday, July 12.

Alison Finch, of Speedwell Road, said: “I believe there is a lack of concern over contamination from ammunition and artillery shells over the years that would make various areas of the site unsuitable for housing.

“There also seems to be ignorance of the dozen endangered species that thrive on the Wick and a reluctance for archeological studies.

“The whole process seems rushed as it was less than a year ago when we found out the land was to be sold.

“I made all these points in my objection and hope they will be taken on board by the council.”

Lee Scordis, Labour ward councillor for Old Heath, added: “I have encouraged all residents to have their say on this incredibly controversial proposal.

“It is the one chance residents get to make their feelings known and I hope the council takes all concerns on board.

“I understand how important it is Colchester has a Local Plan to protect land and I certainly appreciate the council has not allowed 2,000 houses on the site, as the MoD previously wanted.

“I have not hidden my concerns about this proposal and I still have several concerns that I have made clear in my objection.

“The lack of infrastructure in the area will also have huge implications for Old Heath as this is a potentially substantial development.”

Concerns over infrastructure include local roads which cannot be widened and a lack of school places.

Mr Scordis also called for part of the Wick to be turned into a country park to protect its wildlife.

“I believe it is important we get this right because once any green space is built on it is lost forever,” he added.

A council spokesman said: “The current version of the Local Plan, including the proposed allocation for Middlewick, has been published for consultation and local residents have until August 11 to submit their comments.

“The draft plan, along with all comments received, will then be forwarded to an independent inspector appointed to carry out a public examination of the plan to determine if it is ‘sound’. Those lodging objections will be given the opportunity to present their case at the examination hearings to be held next year.

“This process provides a transparent and fair process for the evaluation of all Local Plan policies and allocations. The examination will include, as required, consideration of infrastructure and environmental issues, such as road capacity and land contamination, that could limit building on proposed sites. This means the council has assembled evidence on all potential show-stopping constraints for each site, so that it can defend all its allocation decisions.”