A REGENERATION group wants to put Colchester’s Hythe on the map by building up to eight Dutch-style floating homes.

The ambitious proposals are part of Hythe Forward’s plan to attract more people and tourists to the area.

The floating homes would be built on a turning circle, opposite King Edward Quay, which was dug out about a decade ago.

Alistair Heron, vice-chairman of Hythe Forward, said: “We want to encourage self-building, but the problem with building can often be finding the land.

“We’re looking at Dutch-style floating homes and we think in the space, we could get between six and eight.

“There is no reason why we couldn’t do it – it’s been done elsewhere.”

He added: “I think Colchester Council recognises we need to hit housing targets.

“The trouble with self-build is you need a plot of land, but with floating homes, it is something we can deliver without having to look for land.”

Hythe Forward board member, Steve Brotherhood, is behind the plans.

He said initial plans put forward to rejuvenate the area outlined how there would be year-round high water, as well as a community garden, but neither have been delivered.

Mr Brotherhood added: “I think a lot of people here feel let down.

“I have told Colchester Council it has missed a golden opportunity to turn this place into something special.

“Instead, it has become a university campus and a cash cow.”

Mr Brotherhood admitted the plans are ambitious, but added: “There are so many obstacles, but none of them are insurmountable.

“We need to create this a vibrant quay.”

As part of the group’s proposals, it would also take over the management of moorings on the Colne from Colchester Council.

That would allow the group to attract higher-quality boats, such as Dutch and Thames barges.

It could also lead to tourist barge trips along the Colne.

Mr Heron added: “The council is in the process of taking action on boats which are not complying with their licenses, so it looks like there could be some movement that way, which is encouraging.”

At the moment, there are about a dozen moorings, but Mr Heron said if Hythe Forward took over, it would look to open up more.

Mr Heron also said the group is in talks with unnamed potential buyers of the Coldock site, near to King Edward Quay.

The former grain store – which is owned by the Homes and Community Agency – is on the market for about £1million.

He said the group would like to see the site used as commercial space as well as for new homes.