PLANS to build up to 18 homes on the site of a former nursery have been given the thumbs up.

Blueprints were submitted to convert the old Notcutts Garden Centre, Station Road, in Ardleigh, into homes last year.

But yesterday, a final decision was taken by Tendring District Council to give the plans outline planning permission.

It means the proposals were approved in principle, but more details need to be submitted before building can start.

Planners also said details of where bicycle storage will be built must be submitted.

The development was supported in principle by Ardleigh Parish Council, but concerns had been raised about the total number of homes as, which councillors saw as “excessive”.

Any building must begin within two years.