Colchester City Council has urged the Government to address critical infrastructure deficits in the East of England to support sustainable housing growth.

In a letter sent to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner MP, Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, emphasised the pressing need for investment in transport and essential services to accommodate increasing housing targets.

The letter follows a motion approved by the council on 5 December 2024, which highlighted the significant challenges faced by Colchester. Over the past 20 years, the city has delivered nearly 20,000 new homes, leading Essex in housing provision. However, this growth has outpaced infrastructure development, leaving Colchester residents grappling with congested roads and insufficient services such as schools and healthcare.

On behalf of Full Council, Cllr King repeated calls for Government funding to deliver critical projects, including the long-promised A12 from Chelmsford to Marks Tey, the dualling of the A120 between Braintree and the A12, and the completion of the A133-A120 Link Road.

Councillor David King, Leader of the Council, said: “The Government’s focus on growth and the housing crisis is supported by this council. But it’s time for the Government to match local ambition with the funding and support necessary to make sustainable growth a reality.”