ANOTHER 282 student flats are set to be built in Hythe after a developer's plans were approved.

Lanswood Limited's proposals to construct a new eight-storey accommodation block on land behind the Colchester Centre, in Hawkins Road, have been unanimously backed by the planning committee.

As well as the 282 rooms, the outline plans feature a cafe, meeting space, bin store, cycle store, laundry, reception, plant rooms and parking for 34 cars.

Plans, initially submitted in 2019, were revised by the applicant last year after discussions with Colchester Council about the designs.

The development is set to be further adapted to include further cycle parking and less car parking space when the reserved matter application comes forward.

Chris Board spoke on behalf of the developer at the meeting of the planning committee on Thursday.

He said: "We believe the use itself and the application demonstrates a really good use of a piece of land that is hidden away and part of the regeneration agenda.

"And it shows what can be achieved on constrained and remaining properties within this location." 

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the development.

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Committee member Mike Lilley said: "This is one of the rare occasions when I agree with everything the planning officers and the developer have said.

"It is good to see a progressive, environmentally friendly development come forward.

"I would like to see a bigger provision made for cycle storage, especially locked cycle storage, as Colchester has a high rate of bicycle thefts."

He added: "I support the application as put forward."

Beyond the Box has also revealed plans to build another 300 student flats on the banks of the River Colne at Colne Quay.

Alumno is also set to build 336 student flats in the town centre off Queen Street whilst Host opened its 252 room student development in Magdalen Street last year.