Go-ahead for new stadium

Colchester United have been at Layer Road for 90 years

A new football stadium and 1,500 homes are the central features of a new development given the go-ahead in Colchester.

Colchester Borough Council approved the scheme on land at Severalls Hospital and at Cuckoo Farm near the A12.

Colchester United will move from their old ground at Layer Road to a new, state-of-the art stadium in the development.

Fans have been waiting nearly 30 years for the new 10,000 seat ground.

Marie Partner, chief executive of Colchester United, said the new stadium could be a step towards the Premiership.

Also on the site will be a business park, a primary school and a police station.