DEMOLITION work has begun on a set of educational buildings to make way for a new 75-bed care home.

Former Braintree College buildings are being torn down to make way for the new home alongside 19 'lifelong' bungalows for the over 55's off Church Lane in Bocking.

The site was sold off by owners Colchester Institute in an effort to raise funds for its new state-of-the-art STEM centre which opened in November 2019.

A total of nine buildings will be demolished to make way for the new care home.

The plans, by M Scott Properties, were unanimously approved by Braintree District Council's planning committee.

Councillors agreed the scheme was a good use of the now redundant college buildings but admitted it would mark the end of an era for many in the area.

Councillor for Bocking north, David Mann, said: "This development seems appropriate. It is sad to see the bulk of the college site disappear but it was almost inevitable since the transfer to Colchester Institute and old hands have been anticipating this for some time.

"There are some real positives about this proposal though and it's good to see much of the college grounds will be preserved. There are some good mature trees there and the college is very proud of them."

It is hoped the care home will create 40 new jobs.

Planning boss Gabrielle Spray added: "This is a slightly unusual application in a way because we are looking at demolition of college buildings and a completely different type of development being built in its place.

"There is a need for good quality, well designed care homes which this looks like it will be.

"It's been well thought through and the applicant has worked hard with offices to make this acceptable."

Among the buildings due to be torn down is a seven-storey structure which was said to be out of character for the area.