COLCHESTER is one of the fastest growing boroughs in the UK outside of London, figures have revealed.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found the borough has seen growth of 8.1 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.

When London boroughs are taken out of consideration, Colchester is the eighth fastest growing area in the country.

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

Across the borough plans for hundreds of homes are in the pipeline or being built.

There will be 350 homes in Mill Road as part of the Northern Gateway development - while Colchester Council is hoping to get permission for 300 older people’s homes in the second part of the project.

Mersea Homes’ Chesterwell development in the north of the borough has also added 1,600 homes.

Other proposals include 262 homes on the former Cowdray Centre site, 100 homes at Chitts Hill and 1,200 student rooms in Capon Road.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “The evidence indicates, despite what is sometimes claimed, that Colchester is not, in fact, the fastest growing place in the country although it is certainly experiencing a lot of growth.

“There are several contributing factors to population growth in the borough in recent years not least Colchester is an attractive place to live, with reasonable house prices and being less than an hour from London.

“Colchester has a long track-record of successfully delivering employment growth to match the housing.

“Much of this growth has been accommodated on extensive brownfield land.

“However, it is recognised that the necessary infrastructure has not always been provided in a timely manner, with some existing communities suffering as a result.

“The emerging Local Plan seeks to secure long-term opportunities to accommodate future housing needs.”