PLANS to demolish a former car showroom to make way for a new sheltered housing block and ten apartments are set to be approved.

Proposals will see the old Lookers Renault garage, in Military Road, Colchester, pulled down before being replaced with a new 44 home sheltered housing scheme.

All of the residents of the 44 homes will be aged over 60 and it will be staffed with a reception area and communal lounge.

A separate apartment block, with ten flats, will also be built on site.

All of the buildings on site, including the former car showroom with offices above and a six bay workshop, will be demolished.

Colchester Council's planning officers have recommended the plans be approved.

A report states: "The scheme would bring a currently underutilized brownfield site in a prominent and highly accessible town centre location into an alternative sustainable use, for the betterment of the appearance of the site and the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

"The proposal would also make a contribution to the council’s housing stock, through the delivery of new homes."

It adds: "The proposal ultimately represents sustainable development and the planning balance tips in favour of approval in this instance."

Read more:

The application has been called in to the planning committee by ward councillor Nick Cope (Lib Dem, New Town and Christ Church), who raised concerns over a lack of parking and the size of the development.

Councillors will vote on whether to approve the plan at a meeting next Thursday.