BLUEPRINTS for new sports facilities and 65 homes between Clacton and Holland-on-Sea have been recommended for approval.

Scott Properties submitted plans to build the bungalows and new facilities, which include a playing pitch, clubhouse and changing rooms, on the redundant Colchester Institute playing fields, off Gainsford Avenue.

The original plans were for a mini football stadium, which Holland FC were keen to move into, but this was scaled back after objections were received from Tendring Council.

There were also 88 objections, from residents mainly concerning the scale of the proposed pavilion and light pollution from floodlighting.

The plans were due to be decided at a meeting of the council’s planning committee in October, but the decision was delayed so changes could be made to the scheme.

Council officers have recommended the plans for approval subject to 36 planning conditions, including hours of floodlighting and detailed planes of accesses via Gainsford Avenue and Dulwich Road.

Read the full story in the Clacton Gazette, out now.