New town with more than 7,000 homes could be built

If approved, the new town would be on land east of Colchester between the A120 and B1028

A new town with 7,750 homes could be built in Essex.

Initial proposals, for land east of Colchester between the A120 and B1028, also included a new 120-bed hotel, up to six primary schools, a secondary school and 2,000 student accommodation rooms.

A scoping opinion application, for a new mixed-use garden community development, was submitted by Clarion Housing Group and Latimer Developments Limited to Colchester City and Tendring District councils.

If approved, the development could be fully operational by 2051.

Once the scoping opinion has been completed initial and outline plans could be submitted to the council for consideration.

If agreed, existing agricultural buildings on the land would be demolished to make way for the development.

As well as a new town, a civic centre would be built to offer culture and health services.

The development would also include a college, sports facilities, up to 18 gypsy and traveller pitches, and provision for a care home and or residential institution.

Buildings on the site would range from two to six-storeys in height.

Documents showed the applicant consulted the environment health office, Essex County Council, and National Highways as well as having meetings with both councils.

If approved, site preparation and construction could start in 2026 with the development fully operational by 2051.

A Clarion Housing Group spokesperson said: "We can confirm that our plans for providing around 7,500 new homes for the Tendring and Colchester Borders Garden Community development are indeed moving forward.

"We are working towards a planning submission in the first half of 2025 and will continue to engage with the local community and stakeholders to ensure that they have their say on this exciting landmark opportunity for the area."