Work has started on a controversial housing development in Colchester.

The Old King Coel pub, in Ipswich Road, is being demolished to make way for a mixed development of flats and houses.

Colchester Council's planning committee had refused the application for 18 two-bedroom flats and six three-bedroom houses in August, after officers had recommended approval.

Residents had objected to the scheme, claiming it was an overdevelopment of the site.

Developers Higgins Homes took the application to appeal earlier this year, where the planning inspector granted consent, stating he did not see the proposals representing an overdevelopment.

The planning appeal heard concerns raised including access, parking, garden size, overlooking and increases in noise and traffic.

Work has now started on site, with the former Greene King pub being demolished.