Council land to be used for affordable housing.

In an effort to address the local housing crisis, a council is selling land on which affordable homes will be built.

Colchester City Council stated that it was “releasing key public land at Northern Gateway to deliver up to 350 much-needed affordable homes”.

The greenfield plots are now on the market, with homes available in a variety of affordable tenures, including shared ownership and rent-to-buy options, according to the authority.

A council spokesman stated that all land bids must feature “100% affordable homes,” and that contractual mechanisms will enforce the requirement.

The proposed location for the new dwellings is adjacent to Colchester Park and Ride, with easy access to the city centre, hospital, railway station, University of Essex, and the upcoming garden community.

“This strategic move showcases the council’s commitment to using its own land to make a real difference for residents facing housing challenges,” according to the municipality.

Colchester City Council said that the residential land parcels were expected to attract “strong interest from affordable housing providers, with the council working to ensure that development can progress in tandem with essential infrastructure improvements”.

Labour’s housing portfolio holder, Julie Young, stated: “Too many families in Colchester are living in temporary accommodation or unable to locate a home that matches their needs.

“This is about using council-owned land to create homes that people can actually afford – homes that are close to jobs, schools, and transport links.” Mark Cory, Liberal Democrat portfolio bearer for resources and assets, added:

“By releasing these plots, we’re not only accelerating the delivery of affordable homes, but also ensuring that development aligns with our wider goals for sustainability, connectivity, and inclusive growth.”

The Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats jointly lead Colchester City Council. The Conservative party leader and the Greens have also been contacted for response.

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