DEVELOPERS will be encouraged to install high speed broadband when building new homes in Colchester.

The borough council has agreed a new policy asking developers do so where possible.

They will be urged to work with a network provider - who would install the broadband - from the early stages of planning.

It is hoped home builders will see the benefits to their reputation if residents have reliable broadband.

Council officers will talk about broadband installation when they hold pre-application discussions with developers.

A report to Colchester's Local Plan committee said: "Local Planning Authorities have a pivotal role to play in encouraging developers to future-proof their developments by installing direct fibre access, where ever possible.

"In addition to the reputational and wider economic benefits of ensuring residents are able to access high speed broadband when they move into new developments, there is also the issue of avoiding the costs and frustrations to occupiers of future retrofitting if the infrastructure is not fit for purpose."

Council officers are also set to research the topic further to inform the development of the Local Plan.

The plan sets out where about 15,000 homes and commercial premises can be built across the borough between now and 2032.

Concerns have also been raised by Tendring Council the district may be left behind in the race for faster internet connection.

Tendring Council leader Neil Stock believes work to bring the new technology to the rural area is moving too slowly.

He has vowed to fight to make sure the district doesn't miss out on superfast broadband.

“I am still very unhappy how this is going across our district,” he said.

“It looks like 95 per cent of the county is being covered and I am worried that the other five per cent will be in Tendring.

“It has been the same with other major infrastructure as my village of Little Bromley was the last to get electricity in 1957.

“That was the last in Essex, and probably the country.

“We still have properties in this area which do not have mains sewerage or mains drinking water and that is not acceptable.”

Mr Stock said superfast broadband is essential - especially if residents are working from home.

“We want all properties in Tendring to have it as soon as possible and we will do all we can to make it happen,” he added.