PROPOSALS to build eight new council homes have been approved by the planning committee.

Colchester Council's development firm, Colchester Amphora Homes Limited, has received planning approval to create six flats and two mews houses in Military Road.

The homes will be available to people on the authority's housing register and will be designed to meet the highest environmental standards.

Paul Smith, board member of Colchester Amphora Homes, said: "I am delighted with Colchester Amphora Homes' hard work in obtaining this planning permission for this scheme on behalf of our client Colchester Council.

"This is another excellent achievement for Amphora Homes following our recent successful planning application for Creffield Road.”

The military road scheme , which was approved at a meeting on Thursday, forms part of Colchester Council's plans to create 350 new affordable homes over the next five years.

Adam Fox, councillor responsible for housing, said: "With more than 3,000 people on our housing needs register it is no secret that there is a real and pressing need for more affordable housing in the borough.

"I hope our partnerships with Colchester Amphora Homes and others like Colchester Borough Homes, can continue to help us provide the homes our residents need and want.”