A CONSULTATION has been launched for a new assisted living development in Colchester.

On Tuesday, the Gazette said developer McCarthy and Stone could be building around 96 homes for retired and assisted living at the former Tesco site off Butt Road, as well as 58 car parking spaces.

New plans which will be shown to the public next week are actually for 49 assisted living apartments and 25 car parking spaces.

Proposals for a small shop on the site are also being consulted on.

Lyn Barton, (Lib Dem) Colchester ward councillor for Shrub End, said: "Residents are broadly in favour of the proposals.

"We are keen to include a pedestrian crossing from Blenheim Park to the proposed shop as promised in the original plans.

"We have an issue with speeding around this mini roundabout and anything which assists safety would be welcomed.

"Finally I would urge residents to attend the consultation and feed in their comments."

The site, which also has an entrance on Goojerat Road, was put on the market last year by owner Tesco.

The company had planning permission to build a small supermarket on the site.

But the chain pulled the plug on the development, along with two others in Blackheath and Prettygate, after profits took a turn for the worse.

Fliers have been sent to residents asking them for their views on the plans and to attend the consultation, where plans will be on show and officers there to answer any questions.

Responses will then be considered before plans are submitted to the council for approval.

The consultation will be held at Christ Church, in Ireton Road, between 3pm and 7pm on Wednesday, January 25.