COLCHESTER is on course to become the fastest growing district in the country.

It is expected to overtake Kings Lynn and West Norfolk to top of the list of 238 shire districts.

More than 10,000 homes will have been built in the 11 years to 2016, when there will be about 75,000 homes in the borough.

Paul Copeland, regional sales director of Spicerhaart Land and new Homes, said transport links and proximity to London were two of the reasons Colchester was growing so quickly.

He said: “Add to that great schools, close proximity to the coast and easy reach of beautiful countryside and Colchester is a great location to live.

“As well as its blend of history you also have variety.

“The business community is thriving and employment brings people to the town driving the economy and particularly the housing market.”

He estimates Colchester is in the top 20 per cent of places for demand and, despite a £14,000 average price rise in 2014, prices will keep going up.

Mr Copeland said: “The main issue still remains a shortage of stock.

“The buy-to-let market has boomed in the recent years, which sees many first-time buyers competing with investors in the market for three-bed semis and under, especially in the south and east side of town with rental demand, for example from Essex University, ever increasing.

“The Government’s Help to Buy scheme has had a massive impact on the sales and demand of new homes, especially in Colchester, where homebuyers’ salaries are very good, but they require the assistance of the deposit to help purchase their new home.”

A spokesman for Colchester Council said the authority had approved an average of 830 homes a year since 1974.

He said factors in the population boom included people living longer and young people previously living with their parents being able to buy their own homes, thanks to Government initiatives.

He said: “House prices in Colchester are lower than some neighbouring areas and it’s still less than an hour to London.”