Pam Cox MP Urges Government to Back Critical Colchester Infrastructure Following Spending Review

Pam Cox, Member of Parliament for Colchester, has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement of a £10 billion investment to unlock housing through infrastructure, but has called for immediate and targeted support for the A1331 Link Road—an essential project for the future of the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community.

Pam Cox MP visits construction site with partners, all wearing high-visibility gear and hard hats, demonstrating progress and collaboration in the project.

In a letter to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, sent today, Pam Cox highlights the urgent need to fund Phase 2 of the A1331 Link Road. While Phase 1 is already under construction, Phase 2 remains unfunded. Without it, the delivery of over 7,000 new homes and the area’s sustainable transport ambitions are at risk.

“I warmly welcome the government’s renewed commitment to infrastructure-led housing growth,” said Pam Cox MP. “But to turn that ambition into reality, we need to see investment flow to where it is most urgently needed. The A1331 Link Road is a prime example of a project that is ready to go and capable of unlocking thousands of homes and jobs.”

Pam Cox has asked the Chancellor to provide clear guidance on how local authorities and delivery partners can engage with Homes England to submit a strong bid for funding. She has also requested clarity on the criteria that will be used to assess such bids.

“Colchester is ready to deliver,” Cox added. “But we need the government to match our ambition with action. I urge ministers to recognise the strategic importance of this project and to work with us to ensure Phase 2 of the A1331 receives the support it needs.”

The Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community is one of the most significant developments in the region, with the potential to deliver not only housing but also green infrastructure and sustainable transport links. Pam Cox has pledged to continue working closely with local partners, Homes England, and the Treasury to secure the investment required.

The Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community is a long-term strategic development project jointly planned by Colchester City Council, Tendring District Council, and Essex County Council. It is one of three Garden Communities proposed in North Essex, designed to deliver sustainable, infrastructure-led growth. The master developer is Latimer by Clarion Housing Group – the country’s largest housing association.

This week Colchester City Council voted in favour of adopting the Development Plan Document (DPD) for the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, a move welcomed by Pam Cox MP as a “turning point for responsible, community-led growth.”

Pam Cox, who also serves as a Colchester City Councillor, praised the decision as a major step forward in ensuring that new homes are delivered alongside the infrastructure residents need. The DPD sets out a clear framework for the development of the Garden Community, with a firm condition that no housing can proceed without full funding for the vital Link Road. The plan also includes commitments to new schools, GP surgeries, and other essential community facilities.