Proposals have been submitted for two new office buildings planned for central Colchester.

Colchester Borough Council has submitted a planning application for the Sheepen Place Office Development scheme.

The office blocks, if given the go-ahead by the authority’s planning committee, will be built on the existing car park in Sheepen Road.

It forms part of the council’s plans to generate income to pay for services and reduce the need for cuts.

The largest building will be occupied by legal and financial advisory firm Birkett Long, who have already indicated they will move their Colchester operations – including around 140 staff – into the new scheme.

A smaller second office building will be brought forward in phase two of the project.

Both buildings will be three-storeys tall, and will have enough solar panels to provide all of the offices’ electricity.

The planning application is now being processed and it is anticipated it will be considered by the planning committee in late November.

Mark Cory, borough councillor for resources, said: “I am pleased that the planning application for this landmark new building has been submitted.

“It is the next step in our progress towards creating this high quality building, which will generate new jobs and stimulate economic development in the town.

“The progress of this project shows how the council is becoming much more commercially focused and is favouring reinvestment in the town to deliver its priorities, rather than to cut frontline services – which would affect our residents.”

A total of 100 car parking spaces will be lost under the scheme, although the office block will include 50 cycle spaces and keep 48 car spaces to serve the project.

The current lorry park is unaffected by the plans.

Colchester Borough Council has chosen to develop the site due to an anticipated drop in demand for long-stay town centre car parking caused by the introduction of the town’s new park and ride.

As well as the submitted artist’s impression, the architects have also created a virtual walk-through of how the building will look.