COLCHESTER is the fastest growing place in Essex - and one of the fastest in the UK - according to new figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found the borough has seen growth of 8.2 per cent between mid 2013 and mid 2018.

It now means the borough has a population of 192,523 compared to 177,993 five years ago.

It makes Colchester the 17th fastest growing borough or district in the country.

In Essex, it was also the fastest growing, with Uttlesford just behind with growth of 7.8 per cent.

Tendring saw a 4.8 per cent increase and Maldon 3.5 per cent, while Braintree saw just 1.6 per cent.

The UK population’s growth rate in mid 2017 and mid 2018 was 0.6 per cent making it slower than any year since mid 2004.

The analysis by the ONS also looked at the ageing population and what affect it is likely to have in ten and 20 years.

In 50 years’ time, there is expected to be an additional 8.2 million people aged 65 years and over in the UK.

The data showed coastal areas, like Tendring, have a higher proportion of the population who are 65-years-old and above.

By mid 2018 29.5 per cent of Tendring’s population was 65 or above.

It is expected to rise to 32.9 per cent by 2028 and then 36.8 by 2038.

Sarah Coates, from the centre for ageing and demography, said: “In 2018, the UK population reached 66.4 million people and migration remained the main driver to population growth.

“The structure of the UK’s population is changing - people living longer and having fewer children means the age structure is shifting towards later ages. The ways in which people live are also changing with cohabiting families the fastest-growing family type and more young adults living with their parents.”

In June, data released by the business lending firm BLEND Network, showed the town’s population grew by 9.5 per cent between 2011 and 2017, an increase of roughly 16,600 people.

But it found housebuilding in the town was only just keeping up with the expanding population.