CONCERNS have been raised over a proposed plan to build more than a dozen homes on land which was previously home to a kitchen retailer.

Blueprints have been submitted by MMM Investment Holdings Limited to Colchester Council for a residential development in Old Heath Road, Colchester.

If given the go-ahead, the homes will eventually occupy a space once belonging to a Magnet store which has since been renovated as a Starry Mart depot.

Since being made aware of the plans, residents and councillors have raised concerns, particularly with regards to the potential for traffic congestion and parking problems.

Lee Scordis, Colchester councillor for Old Heath and the Hythe, has now called in the application meaning it will now go before a planning committee.

He said: "The planning application itself is vague in terms of its proposal - it talks about only three homes but then the site plan shows 16 homes.

“However, our main concern revolves around the access for what is already a busy road and near a busy mini-roundabout.

“It may lead to fewer parking spaces with double yellow lines necessary by the access, in a road where residents are dependent on street parking.

“Drainage is also a concern as this spot floods in heavy rain and it is something Highways need to address before nodding the application through.”