PLANS for hundreds of homes at the former Severalls Hospital in Colchester have finally been given the green light.

People living nearby have thanked the applicants for consulting them and changing the blueprint.

Colchester Council’s planning committee unanimously appr-oved proposals for 248 homes on a corner of the site, more than a year after they were submitted.

The designs are the first phase of a 1,500-home scheme at the former mental health hospital.

A decision was deferred in March this year, after residents in Thomas Wakley Close said the plans were overbearing.

Landowners, the Homes and Communities Agency and the North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, worked with residents to resolve the deadlock.

They have lowered the height of some houses overlooking back gardens, reduced the number and size of rear first-floor windows and put in more trees and shrubs.

Luisa White, 78, of Thomas Wakley Close, said: “The negotiations have been friendly throughout. I’m delighted with the decision.”

Mile End ward councillor Martin Goss said: “There have been some shocking housing developments in Colchester in the last 20 years. I was concerned this would end up in the same box. I’m now convinced this is one of the best.

“All the concerns of residents have been dealt with.

“I don’t want to see 1,500 homes there, but I know the Severalls site has to be developed. I think we now have the best deal for the future of the community.”

Mike Goulding, area manager for the Homes and Communities Agency, which owns the land where the first phase of homes will be built, said: “It was important for us to take on board the views and comments of local residents and incorporate them into our redesigns.

“They will be the people who will be affected by whatever we build and we want to create one cohesive community.”

Now permission has been granted, a developer will be chosen to build the homes from a shortlist of six.