A SET of college buildings will be torn down to make way for a new 75-bed care home and supported living accommodation.

M Scott Properties has been granted full planning permission to build the new home alongside 19 'lifelong' bungalows for the over 55's off Church Lane in Bocking.

The site lies within the grounds of Braintree College but was sold off by owners Colchester Institute in an effort to raise funds for its new state-of-the-art STEM centre which opened in November 2019.

A total of nine buildings will be demolished to make way for the new care home.

The plans were unanimously approved by Braintree Council's planning committee during a meeting last week.

Councillors agreed the scheme was a good use of the now redundant college buildings, but admitted it would mark the end of an era for many in the area.

David Mann said: "This development seems appropriate. It's sad to see the bulk of the college site disappear but it was almost inevitable since the transfer to Colchester Insititute and old hands have been anticipating this for some time.

"There are some real positives about this proposals though and it's good to see much of the college grounds will be preserved. There are some good mature trees there and the college is very proud of them."

Planning boss Gabrielle Spray added: "This is a slightly unusual application in a way because we are looking at demolition of college buildings and a completely different type of development being built in its place.

"There is a need for good quality, well designed care homes which this looks like it will be.

"It's been well thought through and the applicant has worked hard with offices to make this acceptable."

It is hoped the care home will create 25 full-time and 15 part-time jobs.

M Scott Properties will provide £17,000 towards improvements at Church Lane doctors surgery as part of its planning permission.

The developer had argued the college buildings due to be demolished - which have been empty for more than a year - were "beyond useful economic life".

Among the buildings due to be torn down is a seven-storey structure which was said to be out of character for the area.