PLANS for a new factory and homes on the Wilkin’s site in Tiptree moved one step closer this week after councillors gave it the nod.

Members of Colchester Council’s local development framework committee agreed “option four” after it received the majority of public support.

Option four is for a new factory to be built on the south of the site, with houses to the north of Factory Hill, a new visitor centre, and open space including allotments.

The plans include a buffer strip of land between the development, existing housing and Tolleshunt Knights.

The proposals will now go for a further round of public consultation before being submitted to the government in May for final approval.

The committee agreed unanimously to proceed with the next stage.

Read more in tomorrow's Gazette.