PART of a piece of land which will be home to hundreds of houses will be set aside for an innovative care home.

Colchester Rugby Club, in Mill Road, is expected to be sold off to a developer which plans to build the homes.

The move is part of Colchester Council's local plan, which sets out where can be developed for the next 17 years.

When the sale is complete, the rugby club will move to a new purpose-built sports ground at the new Northern Gateway.

However, the authority's forward plan of key decisions show part of the land will be set aside for a care home.

It is understood the facility would allow independent and able people to move in when they are 65-years-old and they would continue to live independently.

However if their health deteriorates, the residents can move to another part of the site, where their needs can be met.

It is hoped the scheme would mean residents would not have to be uprooted throughout the latter stages of their lives.

Paul Smith, leader of Colchester Council, said: "Although the housing plans is quite substantial, it is not going to take up the whole of the rugby club and this sort of scheme would be a very useful addition in Colchester.

"We hope it would mean residents do not have to keep moving from one place to another as they get older.

"It is in place in other parts of the country."

It is not yet clear which care company is bringing the scheme forward.

Colchester Council would continue to be the landowner but it is understood the care company would plan on taking out a long lease.