REVISED plans for almost 250 homes on a former hospital site have been backed by residents and ward councillors.

Developers want to build the houses on the Severalls site and until recently there were major concerns from people living nearby about the size of the houses and drainage.

Martin Goss, a ward councillor, said the developers had now made changes to the height of some of the properties, which would have overlooked homes in Thomas Wakley Close, and split some of the houses up so there is more sunlight.

The talks involved people living in Thomas Wakley Close and Mill Road, who said the original plans were overbearing. They also raised concerns about drainage, but Mr Goss said money was being given to Colchester Council to “sort out the ditches”.

He added: “I’m very satisfied. It’s good this has happened and it shows community working and as the new plans which are to be submitted afresh stand, I will be backing them.”

The application for the 248 homes looks set to be given a green light at the planning meeting on Thursday.

The meeting takes place in the Town Hall, High Street, from 6pm.