Mersea Island Society

13/03/2026

The developer has appealed against Colchester City Council’s refusal of permission to convert
The Old Oyster Shed — a waterfront restaurant — into a private dwelling. We need as many
residents as possible to submit comments to the Planning Inspector.
*What is this about?*
The Old Oyster Shed is a distinctive weatherboarded building on stilts over the River Blackwater
at the bottom of Coast Road. It was built as a seafood restaurant in 2011. The owner wants to turn it into a house. The Council refused permission in August 2025 for five separate reasons.
The developer is now appealing that decision.
https://www.merseaislandsociety.org/news

https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6004537

06/03/2026

https://www.merseaislandsociety.org/post/mark-minter-mersea-island-watersports-why-time-spent-on-the-water-is-good-for-everyone

Mersea Island Society would like to extend huge thanks Mark Minter of Mersea Island Watersports for coming out (and on his birthday too!) to talk to us about his role in getting people out on the water. Please read our blog for more details.

Mark is one of the unsung heroes of Mersea who quietly gets on with making the physical and mental benefits of being on the water accessible to as many people as possible. MIW sees over 1000 school children come through its doors every year teaching children skills which give them confidence that goes beyond their time on the water.

In addition, Mark will be working alongside Freedom Boat Adventures to give those with disabilities access to time on the water. He is also currently the Vice Chair of the West Mersea Waterside Committee which manages the beach, hard, and waterfront areas.

08/02/2026

https://www.merseaislandsociety.org/so/6fPm-1wSI?languageTag=en

A Statement Outlining Concerns and Objections to the local plan

03/01/2026

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/mersea-island-society

8,000+ retailers will donate to our cause
When you shop online with participating retailers, they'll donate part of what you spend to your chosen cause. Whether you shop on your phone, laptop or tablet, you can earn free cashback donations for your cause.
The retailer just needs to know you are an easyfundraiser to give a donation, and they know this if you visit them from our website, app or Donation Reminder. The good news is, it doesn't cost you a penny extra. Please follow the link, download the reminder and help raise money for projects on Mersea.

Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.

13/11/2025

05/11/2025

Colchester City Council - Planning Consultations
https://colchester.oc2.uk
CONSULTATION starts Monday 10th November. Register NOW to have your say.

Have your say on Local Plan and other consultations.

29/10/2025

A bit early, we know, but tickets are now available online for our Christmas Concerts.

Fund raising concerts. Christmas concerts. Sid Bolan Big Band. Gilbert & Sullivan.

02/09/2025

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfl3z76M10ALcALrTP6KsW8i6ECnPWD9ohiCJ9HAqj6QHmztw/viewform

In the run-up to the Community Planning Alliance's 5th anniversary, in March 2026, we want to hear what you think. (We think that the planning system is failing those in need of a home, jeopardising our children's futures and threatening nature and food security.) Firstly, we want to hear your views...