COLCHESTER Council has confirmed plans to deliver up to 350 social homes for those on the housing register.

Over the next seven years the council intends to build 100 homes as part of developments at Creffield Road, Military Road, Mill Road and St Runwald Street.

Around 35 new homes are also planned for former garage sites and the council is looking to purchase 50 properties over five years using the Right to Buy clauses on former council homes.

Another 100 could also be purchased on the open market.

Colchester Council wants to borrow up to £75 million over five years to support the delivery of the homes and can now do so due to the Government scrapping a previously imposed "debt cap".

Adam Fox, councillor responsible for housing, said: "It is no secret there is a dire need for more affordable homes across the country.

"However, while we have had the desire to deliver them in Colchester, we have been hamstrung for years by a variety of Government policies and procedures.

“Now we can drive forward our ambitious commitment to deliver the affordable homes our residents need and want, by building on the partnerships we have through Colchester Borough Homes and our housing company Colchester Amphora Homes Limited.

“This is fantastic news for our residents and for supporting the future of Colchester.”