PLANS to build hundreds of homes on a playing field and brownfield land could exacerbate a school places shortage, it has been claimed.

Colchester Council has unveiled plans for the south part of its Northern Gateway development.

The bid includes outline permission for up to 350 homes, 300 older people’s homes, a medical centre and a private acute surgical hospital.

There will also be a 75-bed care home, 55,724 square metres of office space, retail space and land for a restaurant or café.

But Mile End councillor Martin Goss said he was “exceedingly concerned” about the impact new homes would have on the town.

It comes after it was revealed a new school, known as Trinity Academy, would not open until September 2021.

Essex County Council said, in 2013, the school on the Chesterwell site in Mile End would open this year.

Instead parents applying for Year 7 this year have been offered other schools due to the delay.

In a comment on the planning application, Mr Goss: “We already have issues in Mile End where children are being offered Colchester Academy four miles away and two bus trips.

“This is a serious issue facing Colchester and this house building will further exacerbate the issue.

“Essex County Council needs to spell out how they will be providing adequate primary and secondary school places for this application.”

However, Mr Goss, a member of the coalition which runs Colchester Council, has not objected to the authority’s planning application.

READ MORE: Northern Gateway bid submitted by Colchester Council

Traffic is also of concern to residents. Another objection comment said: “Such a large development will lead to even higher levels of traffic, resulting in increased congestion.

“Added to the traffic from the football stadium, industrial estates and existing dwellings, I fear it will be as bad as Stanway or even worse.”

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.