A developer whose plans for up to 120 homes on the edge of Colchester have been approved has been praised for their work on the scheme.

Colchester-based Land Improvements Holdings is behind proposals on a site next to the former Betts Factory in Ipswich Road.

As well as the housing, the project includes hard and soft landscaping, public open space, play areas, parking and other related infrastructure.

Tendring District Council’s planning committee – which ruled on the plans as the site comes under Ardleigh within the district rather than Colchester – gave the scheme initial approval during a meeting on Tuesday night.

However councillors asked for the final details of the scheme to be brought back before them ahead of work starting.

Committee members had visited the site earlier in the day and praised the company for its indicative plans.

The firm was told it had set an example to be followed with its design and the way it had engaged with the local community.

Ardleigh Parish Council also supported the scheme and there were no objections from any other statutory bodies.

Viktoria Oakley, from Land Improvements Holdings, said the company was providing an educational package which would include a new classroom for Ardleigh Primary School and improvements for Manningtree High School.

There will also be a new GP consulting room as part of the financial contribution agreement.

She said: “We are proposing 120 quality homes at a low density and this will include affordable homes.

“This scheme is landscape-led and we have engaged with residents.”

It is expected that around one-third of the properties being built on the site will be affordable homes.

The company undertook public consultation with two exhibitions in May as well as two meetings with residents and one with Ardleigh Parish Council.

Bellway Homes has already begun work after being given permission by Colchester Borough Council and Tendring District Council for 197 homes on the former Betts’ site itself, which is split across the boundary of the two districts.