A CHARITY has been given the go-ahead for its £1million plans to replace historic almshouses with new, modern homes for older people.

Colchester Council has given the Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity permission to replace seven bungalows in Military Road, Colchester, with ten flats.

The charity still needs to raise £250,000 towards the cost of the project.

Michael Siggs, the charity’s clerk, said: “It has taken three years to get planning consent, including a year for us to get it past English Heritage.

“We are delighted it has gone through. Our application had to be scrutinised by English Heritage because the site is next to some Grade I listed buildings. That was frustrating.”

TheGrade I listed building is an original almshouse, given by John Winnock in 1679, and is also owned by the charity.

The planning application was only submitted after lengthy talks with the heritage body and council in an effort to come up with an acceptable scheme.

The almshouses, 1-7 Winnocks, were built in the Thirties and lack modern heating systems or bathrooms.

They also have had problems with drainage and subsidence which has left the homes in poor condition. Mr Siggs said the new flats would be built to the very latest standards, with wetrooms andnosteps for residents tonegotiate.

The charityhopes thiswillhelp residents return home more quickly after spells in hospital andlive independently for longer.

Mr Siggs added the scheme could lead the way for other, similar local sites be redeveloped with more modern facilities.