Proposals to turn Colchester firm Flakt Woods site into a major housing development have been leaked to the Evening Gazette.

Initial plans show extensive new housing on Tufnell Way along with shops, a doctor's surgery and creche.

Flakt Woods is expected to make the planning application public in the next two weeks.

But plans seen by the Evening Gazette reveal a phased development. The first stage would be on land closest to Bergholt Road.

Flakt Woods is hoping to buy up some properties at the junction of Bergholt Road and Tufnell Way.

The manufacturing company's agent, London-based Michael Varley, has been holding talks with residents affected by the proposals.

It wants people to sell-up so access to the site can be improved.

Varley last week upped the offer to 140 per cent of the market value.

A spokesman for Flakt Woods today confirmed the talks were taking place.

But he insisted: "We are not definitely doing anything. We are investigating options."

Published Wednesday, June 4, 2003