Council aims and what has been done to achieve them

Our Strategic Plan 2020-2023 sets out how the council will address the key challenges facing the borough through five themes.

The plan sets out the key goals by which success will be measured moving forward. This year, under these five areas, we have achieved the following:

Continued to deliver on the commitment of delivering new homes for our residents – but no more than we need. We are on track to deliver 626 new homes in 2021/2022 which is close to the Government’s target for our area of 920.
Seen the first homes built by our council company, Amphora Homes, to be sold on the open market and the delivery of 30 per cent affordable homes through Amphora Homes schemes.
Resolved to approve outline plans for the Northern Gateway South scheme, a council backed development which aims to see infrastructure, community facilities, employment, leisure and homes built simultaneously.
Prevented homelessness for 67 households and supported 66 households into accommodation.

Secured government funding to continue our CAReless congestion reduction campaign, the rollout of E-cargo bikes and support of the Bikeabilty scheme to help tackle air pollution.
Ordered the first EV and hybrid vehicles for the council fleet and trialled an electric recycling and rubbish truck as part of our drive towards a fully electric fleet by 2030.
Began to roll out EV charge points in council owned car parks - the first have been installed in Priory Street and are the first in the UK to pilot the innovative new MiPermit Park and Charge Service.
Worked with the partners and businesses in the town centre to become the first location in Essex to introduce parklets, a planted seating area that can be enjoyed by all visitors.
Continued to roll out tree planting at sites across the borough as part of the Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project to help bring about improvements in our communities, our wildlife, and our environment.

Continued to work in partnership with a range of partners to support efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and ensure residents and businesses had information on vaccinations/boosters, grants and other help and support available.
Worked with other organisations including the Police through the One Colchester partnership to launch #SeeYouSafer campaign, helping people enjoy a great night out knowing help and support is available to keep themselves and their friends safe.
Opened the Northern Gateway Sports Park with more than 4,000 people attending a special open day in July.
Undertaken more than 250 inspection and assessments of private sector homes across the borough to tackle concerns and complaints about housing conditions – seeing more than 100 homes made safer with the removal of over 200 serious housing hazards.

Provided critical support to businesses during the pandemic and was shortlisted in the Economic Support category by the Local Government Chronicle in recognition of our work.
Applied for City Status as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Started developing a wide range of events and initiatives to help celebrate the Jubilee and stimulate the local economy.

Extended our grants to our cultural and arts organisations until 2026 to give financial security and allow them confidence to plan for the future.
Seen a swift recovery to pre-pandemic visitor numbers at Colchester Castle, in August welcoming the highest numbers since the 2014 redevelopment. Income was also up nearly 30% during this period.
Hosted a stage of the prestigious Women’s Tour in October 2021.
Invested in our Roman heritage, including launching two new walking trails and hosting a major exhibition – ‘Decoding the Roman Dead’ – highlighting the hidden stories of 40 of Colchester’s earliest inhabitants.
Welcomed a record number of people (58,000+) to our events in Castle Park including a concert by Olly Murs.

Annual Report 2021/2022
Council aims and what has been done to achieve them