HOUSING bosses have called a halt to plans to add prefabricated flats on top of existing council homes in Colchester.

Colchester Council was investigating the viability of adding an additional level of two-bed flats to properties in Christopher Jolly Court, Berefield Way and Gardenia Walk.

As part of “extensive investigations and research” into the project, similar versions of which have been successful in London, the authority wrote to affected residents living in the properties.

Some residents had raised concerns, and those in Christopher Jolly Court signed a petition against proposals.

The council has now decided not to pursue the scheme, opting instead to use investment elsewhere to create new council homes.

Adam Fox, councillor responsible for housing, said: “We are totally committed to delivering the council housing needed to support our residents.

“To achieve this we need to look at a whole host of options, aside from the traditional housebuilding schemes.

“For us to commit funds from the Housing Revenue Account we need to ensure the delivery of projects remains feasible and delivers value for money.

“We have carried out extensive research and investigations into the possibility of using a rooftop scheme in Colchester, but it is clear that at the moment we have better options for us to take forward.

“In addition to those projects already announced, we are working on a range of new plans that will provide new homes as we continue to look at all options available to us to help us support the nearly 2,800 people on our housing waiting list.”

The council plans to deliver up to 350 new council homes by 2024.