Colchester City Council’s Leader has confirmed the decision to halt the proposed sale of land at Cymbeline Farm.
The land had previously been placed on the market as part of the council’s ongoing review of its property portfolio, with the intention that it would remain in agricultural and open space use. But concerns were raised that existing safeguards may not guarantee how the land would be used in the long term once sold.
The site is recognised as an important green space close to the city, and the council is clear that its future must be properly protected.
The council will now review future options for the land, taking account of public opinion and ensuring that any next steps reflect its long-term value to residents and the environment.
Councillor Paul Dundas, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “If we cannot guarantee the future of this land, then we are not going to sell it. This is an important green space for Colchester, and we need to be confident it will be properly protected for the long term. When this proposal was originally brought forward, it was on the basis that safeguards would be in place, but having looked at this more closely, I am not sufficiently confident those protections go far enough to guarantee its future.
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Local Government Reorganisation, Communities and Public Protection, added: “We have listened to residents and taken the decision to halt the sale. We will now look for alternative options for this land to secure its long-term stewardship and future as a protected green space, taking account of public opinion and making sure we do the right thing for the future of this site."