Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Middlewick Ranges — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]

12 December 2023 · 2 other contributors · 3,709 words

Opened by Will Quince Con Colchester

Responding minister: James Cartlidge

DefenceEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Will Quince raised concerns about middlewick ranges — [sir charles walker in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the proposed sale and development of Middlewick Ranges in Colchester, which has been designated for disposal since April 2017.
  • Over 1400 invertebrate species rely on the site, including 167 with conservation status, highlighting ecological concerns.
  • Developing the land would destroy rare acid grassland that ecologists warn cannot be recreated, according to evidence presented.

Key requests to Government

The Minister should retain the land as an MOD training area or mothball it for future use, explore biodiversity credits, and consider partnerships with local authorities to create a country park. Building on Middlewick Ranges would be eco-vandalism and my constituents and I will hold developers accountable if planning permission is granted.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Will Quince Con Colchester

I am concerned about the proposed sale and development of Middlewick Ranges in Colchester. The site, designated for disposal since April 2017, is now earmarked for housing despite considerable opposition from residents and ecological concerns. Over 1,400 invertebrate species rely on the site, including 167 with conservation status. Developing the land would destroy rare acid grassland that has been developed over centuries due to its use as a training area. Ecologists warn that recreating this habitat is practically impossible.

Other contributors (2)
  • Charles Walker Con Broxbourne

    We conclude, as thunder crackles around us. Question put and agreed to.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    As a former reservist, Jim Shannon questions the impact of removing the range on the training and experience gain for reserve forces such as the Territorial Army.

Government Response

James Cartlidge

It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Charles. It is a particular pleasure to respond to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Will Quince). I congratulate him on not only calling this debate but also commissioning out from Sandhurst as a captain in the Adjutant General's Corps—a significant achievement. Turning to Middlewick Ranges, my hon. Friend rightly highlighted its military history and raised concerns about the disposal of the site for more modern facilities at Fingringhoe. The Ministry of Defence's decision to sell is based on the site becoming surplus to requirements and not offering an optimal environment for training needs due to proximity issues with residential areas and public footpaths, leading to safety risks. Enhanced facilities at Fingringhoe will offer better training options and accommodate an additional 20,000 troops annually. While acknowledging concerns about potential environmental impacts from new development following the sale, the MOD has invested in ecology studies to inform a concept plan recommending over 63% of land be retained as green space and advocating for preservation of ecologically valuable habitats. The local authority will decide on future use through planning processes that balance housing needs with environmental protections. The MOD remains committed to ensuring the site benefits the community and environment sustainably.

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