PLANS for a giant eight-storey student accommodation block are set to be given the go ahead if the developer stumps up cash for community improvements.

Colchester Council's planning committee is set to discuss the plans for a new complex in Hawkins Road, Colchester, next week.

The development - which would be known as Hythe Mills - is on land formerly owned by van and lorry rental company Aim Hire.

Developer Southern Grove Hawkins Road want the buildings to range between six, seven and eight stories high and have agreed to reduce the number of apartments from 231 to 224 after discussions with council bosses.

Officers have tipped the scheme for approval, as long as the developers agrees to a range of section 106 agreement funding, including £85,000 towards a footbridge over the River Colne, £90,000 towards open space improvements and £80,000 towards a travel plan for Essex University students.

Discussions are also ongoing about the design of the buildings.

The report said: "The proposal submitted for consideration to the committee represents a significant opportunity to secure further regeneration within the former port area of the town.

"It is considered the development generally responds positively to the area context, and follows the principles of redevelopment established elsewhere along this side of the river.

"Since the initial submission of the application discussions have taken place in order to improve the overall appearance of the built form and the scheme presented to members is considered now be of an appropriate standard in terms of size, scale and the organisation of architectural forms.

"Nevertheless, further work is required to lift the detailed elevational treatment further, hence the recommendation for approval is contingent upon the receipt of further revised drawings to demonstrate this requisite uplift in detailed design quality."

The rooms are set to be a mixture of types with the majority being en-suite rooms clustered together in blocks of between seven and ten with shared kitchens and corridors.

Standard studio rooms will have kitchen facilities contained inside them, as well with accessible studios which are set to be slightly larger.

A small amount of premium studio rooms would be available at the top of the building and include added floor space.

Communal study space, social areas, laundry facilities and a bike storage area have also been included in the plans.

A decision on the plans are expected next Thursday.