Plan to build new care home and bungalows at Braintree College site

M Scott Properties is seeking full planning permission to build the new home alongside 20 'lifelong' bungalows for the over 55's off Church Lane in Bocking.

The site lies within the grounds of Braintree College but was sold off by owners Colchester Institute in an effort to raise funds for a state-of-the-art science building.

M Scott is now proposing to demolish nine buildings formerly used by the college which became unoccupied back in August and are deemed to be "beyond useful economic life" and construct living accommodation for the elderly in its place.

The lifelong homes would be offered out to people aged 55 and above or those living with a disability. They would consist of 17 single storey properties and three chalets.

Alongside the bungalows and care home, the developer would look to provide a substation, visitor parking, a new park and widen the footpath along Church Lane to improve pedestrian access.

M Scott claims a survey posted on social media saw 98 people living in the area provide a positive response to the proposals.

Should the plans be approved, it is hoped the care home could create 25 full-time and 15 part-time jobs.

Among the buildings which would be demolished under the scheme would be one which is seven-storeys high and described as "not in keeping" with the surrounding area in the applicant's planning statement.

The document adds: "Overall the proposal will facilitate the removal of poor quality, redundant buildings and replace them with much needed specialist properties and a care home to meet the needs

of ageing population and those living with, or supporting someone with a disability.

"The design and layout of the scheme has been developed through discussions with the council and is considered to be of a high quality, creating visual interest in the site whilst significantly improving views in the surrounding area."

Braintree Council will have the final say on the plans later this year.