COLCHESTER will grow by more than 1,000 homes a year, if a new local plan is agreed.

The borough, which has already become the fastest growing shire district in the country, is expected to boom at an even greater rate.

Currently, about 830 new homes are built in the borough every year, but the new plan would be for growth of 1,065 homes per year for 20 years.

Yesterday, Essex County Council supported the preparation of Colchester Council’s draft local plan, which will dictate development from 2016 to 2032. But it said it would also present challenges.

The response stated: “Colchester is identified as one of several main locations for growth within Essex where investment will be focused.

“Delivering our ambitions will require local partners to achieve an unprecedented level of housing and physical development.

“While residents across Essex would recognise the general need for more homes and more local jobs, the specific design, location and phasing of development can, in some cases, present a challenge for communities.

“Partnerswill need to engage with communities and their representatives, demonstrating the powerful case for sustainable growth and the benefits this can bring.”

The plan would see more land designated for employment, but with an emphasis on safeguarding the pre-eminance of Colchester town centre.

There could also be an increase in industrial premises.

The report said: “Colchester is still contending with an oversupply of office space following the economic downturn.

“However, there remains demand from small to medium sized industrial premises."

Tina Bourne, councillor responsible for housing in Colchester, said: “We know Colchester is a popular place to live.

“For the people already living here, their families want to continue living here as they grow and we know people want to move into Colchester. Colchester has been a growth point in the Eastern region for a number of years and we want this to continue.

“The alternative is not to grow and that is not an option because we need new jobs, businesses, development and money coming into the town.

“However, I do have empathy for residents who have concerns about where the houses are growing.

“That is why we have a local plan, so it won’t be a surprise, the local plan sets out the number of properties and where.

“We do need to make sure the infrastructure keeps pace with the development and that is something residents feel strongly about.

“Schools, doctors, public transport, they all need to keep pace and there needs to be a signal to developers the infrastructure needs to be developed at the start.”