COUNCIL bosses have vowed to preserve Essex County Hospital's history when the former healthcare facility is converted into a base for at least 100 homes.

The iconic hospital closed its doors for the final time in November, with any remaining services being transferred to Colchester Hospital in Turner Road or the neighbouring Primary Care Centre.

Essex County Council owns the site and the authority's in-house development team Essex Housing is set to submit a planning application to build a collection of homes later this year.

Whilst the exact number of properties has not yet been revealed, it will be more than 100.

Although the 200-year-old premises' use will be changed, County Hall bosses have promised the development will be done after discussions with the surrounding community and many of the historic buildings will be maintained for future generations to enjoy.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "A planning application will be submitted later this year after further discussions with Colchester Council and a consultation on the plans with the local community.

“Essex Housing’s vision for the site will preserve and restore key buildings, including the grade II listed main hospital building, in a high-quality residential development and conversion.

“The emerging plans will give the historic former hospital a new lease of life and stop it from falling into decay.”

Heritage experts Historic England have been working with Essex Housing's design and planning teams of the proposals for the site.

The hospital building closed because it was no longer suitable as a modern healthcare setting.

The process to shut down the site had been a gradual one and took place over the past four years after the closure was agreed by hospital directors.

Planning authority Colchester Council will have the final say on any proposals for the new estate.