HOMES could be created within a hotel building under council plans.

Colchester Council wants to create a new conservation area in North Station Road in Colchester and some of the surrounding streets to enhance its image.

A lengthy consultation document has now been written and councillors on the Local Plan committee will on Monday be asked to agree the public should be consulted on the proposals.

Among the council’s ideas, it suggests the Grade II listed Riverside Hotel, which dates back to 1604, should be be given a new lease of life.

Because the building is listed, the structure would probably remain - but flats could be built within it.

The consultation document states: “Repair of the listed Riverside Hotel could create a series of new homes in this attractive riverside location as opposed to the poorly maintained and marginally viable hotel that currently operates.”

Hotel owner Susan Soormally said: “We are working with the council and others in helping improve the North Station Road area by the way of the North Bridge Conservation Enhancement Area bid to Heritage Lottery Fund.

“The designation of conservation area will complement the bid which includes grant funding for building improvements and refurbishments, benefitting the listed Riverside Hotel.”

North Station Road takeaway shops and restaurants are described in the council’s report as “flaunting a certain amount of brash and garish signage”.

The council says it would encourage these businesses to tidy up outside the premises. Some businesses would be asked to mask open parking areas which currently look onto the road.

Making the area have the conservation area status would mean the council could put more stringent conditions in place for potential developers wanting to build within it.

The council also wants to refurbish the cast iron railing on the art deco style North Bridge. and install light fittings, to reflect its original character.

Shops on the street could also have new roofs, fascia and windows replaced to smarten them up.

The proposed conservation area also covers Morten Road, Orchard Road, St Paul’s Road, John Harper Street and the former Colne Bank open air swimming pool.

The area is described by the council as containing “a fascinating mosaic of buildings from across six centuries”.

It adds the council regards North Station Road a “major pedestrian corridor into and out of the town centre” and being a conservation area “will draw attention the charms and character of the area and will allow the council to encourage owners of properties to invest in them.”

Other suggestions being made to improve the area include removing unsightly road signs.

The council also wants more trees to be planted and the pavements tided up.

North Station Road was a major access into the town from the north in Roman times.

Three other conservation areas in Colchester are the town centre, Lexden Road area and the Garrison area.