DETAILS of how an 800-home development in Stanway could look have been unveiled.

The homes on the site of Fiveways Fruit Farm, near to the Fiveways junction, will see the parish’s population increase by 25 per cent.

The new development will be accessible from Blackberry Road and from a southbound lane from the new Stanway Western Bypass roundabout.

Residents and councillors do not object to the homes, but have warned supporting infrastructure must be in place before building begins The homes are due to be built between 2016 and 2023.

Colin Lax, of Rose Avenue, Stanway, said: “Building 800 homes is all well and good, but we need to see the infrastructure being built before the houses are even started.

“There’s no doubt we will have to see a good design and promises the infrastructure will be there.

“Where will all the cars go? Will the roads take however many cars 800 homes attract? Will children be able to get school places?”

As part of Colchester Council’s “growth plan” for Stanway, 300 homes have already been built in Lakelands, west of the proposed Fiveways site.

When the last of the 600 home is completed, money will be released to help fund a new primary school.

Lesley Scott-Boutell, borough councillor for Stanway, said residents are already being surveyed for their views on Stanway’s expansion.

She said: “The one big concern from residents will be the infrastructure and how traffic will be supported by the infrastructure.

“People really think it is important planners at Colchester Council and Essex County Council look at the cumulative effect the homes will have.”

Under the plans, one “spinal” road will link the new estate between Blackberry Road and Warren Lane.

It is anticipated Dyers Road would not be open to cars, but pedestrians and cyclists would still be able to use it.

The estate’s cycle routes could also be built into the Stanway to Tollgate cycle link.

The site has primarily been used for agriculture, although it is also occupied by the fruit farm on the eastern side and the Par Air Kennels and Cattery to the west.

Landowner Julian Meade was contacted for comment but did not return the Gazette’s call.

It is not known what will happen to Fiveways Fruit Farm and Layer Marney Lamb butchers situated where the homes are going to be built.

The Stanway Bypass is due to open in March 2014.