WORK has started on north Colchester’s next big housebuilding scheme – almost a decade after plans were first announced.

The first phase of developer Mersea Homes’s Chesterwell development will site 105 two, three and four bedroom homes on a site off Nayland Road.

Managing director Stuart Cock said: “Being a local family business we are keen to ensure the development has a distinctive local feel that portrays the quality of Colchester and is a destination where people want to live, work and relax.”

Mersea Homes has been working on the plans for nine years and has faced strong opposition from local residents who feel the area already has enough homes The scheme has been approved, both by Colchester Council and a Government minister.

Eventually, the company plans to build a total of 1,600 homes in total, although less than half of the site will be taken up by housing.

Mersea Homes will also create new open spaces, new primary and secondary schools, a local shopping centre, a small supermarket and a community centre and sports hall.

Mile End recreation ground will be extended under the scheme, with a new cricket pitch and two more football pitches, while nearby Chesterwell Wood will be protected.

The first homes are expected to go on sale next year, with prices ranging from £210,000 to £425,000.