MORE than 20 new homes and a large care home could be built in a town near Colchester after plans were put before council bosses.

Pomery Planning Consultants Ltd has submitted proposals for 25 homes and a care facility in Wivenhoe to Colchester Council.

The application, made on behalf of Colchester's WL2010 Ltd and its director Ross Bain, details plans for a mix of two and three-bedroom bungalows and a 60 bed care home.

Developers believe the new homes would be suitable for older people. 

If the blueprints are signed off by planning bosses, a car park for Wivenhoe Town Cricket Club on land off Croquet Gardens could also be put in place. 

Conforming to Colchester’s Local Plan policy, the development will offer 30 per cent affordable housing, which would mean eight out of the 25 homes would need to fulfil certain requirements. 

The site being eyed for the development measures 1.8 hectares and is currently used as scrubland and boasts wild meadows. Croquet Gardens, meanwhile, is a cul-de-sac, home to seven properties.

Gazette: Plans - Colchester Council's planning department received an application for 25 bungalows and a
In a planning statement, developers said: “The residential development and care home do not directly border the cricket field, so netting to protect people and property within the development, would appear unnecessary. 

“Each unit has at least two parking spaces at 5.5 metres by 2.9 metres.

"In addition, there are seven visitor spaces. Similarly, the 60 bed care home footprint is taken from a care home of a similar size to ensure the footprint can deliver 60 beds over two storeys.  

“The parking provided for the care home is also Essex Parking Standards compliant.” 

The care home would become the town's third facility of its kind, alongside the existing Springfield Anchor retirement home and Nationwide Community Care home, both located in Mede Way. 

Gazette:

Colchester councillor for Wivenhoe Mark Cory said: “This application will fall within the Neighbourhood Local Plan. 

“I have yet to go through all the details of the application, but all neighbouring parties should be aware of it and should bring forward their views. 

“With the Neighbourhood Local Plan, we are trying to get all needed community facilities delivered.” 

Planning bosses at Colchester Council will have the final say.