Almost 400 new homes could be built on a brownfield site in Colchester.

Brentwood-based Jubilee Homes has submitted an application to the borough council for outline planning permission for 393 dwellings, plus 390 square metres of commercial development, on the site of the former Paxman Diesels complex in Port Lane.

This will include a change of use of an existing 830-square metre building to community or commercial use.

Resident Harold Wyatt, who lives in Port Lane, said: "Developing the area is a good idea and hopefully the new houses will make the area look better."

Earlier this year, the Gazette reported that Colchester Council had devised a draft development brief for the site, which suggested no more than 230 homes should be built on the site, 25 per cent of which must be social housing.

Plans are available for viewing at the town hall, Colchester Central Library or via the council's website, colchester.gov.uk

The application reference number is O/COL/06/2068.