PLANS to build more than 1,000 new student rooms are set to be given the green light.

Essex University and Uliving applied to Colchester Council to create five new buildings near their Knowledge Gateway Site.

The buildings, off Capon Road and Annan Road, will provide 1,204 student rooms and 58 studios.

A new “hub” will be created in one of the blocks to provide a reception, post room and administrative area.

The buildings will be arranged to create two undergraduate courtyards and a third neutral student space.

A planning document, set to go before the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, said: “The development will proceed in two phases.

“Phase 1 works, comprising of blocks A and E, are scheduled to commence in spring 2020 and be completed by September 2021.

“Phase 2 which will comprise of blocks B, C and D will be completed by September 2022.

“The university needs to deliver a minimum numbers of rooms [at least two of the five buildings] by Sept 2021 if it is to meet its growth targets.”

The university must provide up to £400,000 to contribute towards a new travel plan for students accessing and leaving campus.

The proposed application is for a car-free development.

Concerns have been raised about design and materials used but these are said to have been addressed.

The planning statement said: “The development will support the university’s expansion and provide economic, social and environmental benefits for the borough.

“The proposed is considered to be sustainable development and is an optimal use of the site.

“The scheme is considered to be acceptable with regards to the design.”

The plans are set for approval subject to number of conditions.

The university’s six year strategy until 2025 aims to grow from 16,500 students to about 20,000 students.

The university hopes to provide accommodation to all students in their first year of study.

This target is being achieved but to keep this promise the university have identified a need to build new accommodation.