Plans to turn former office block into 67 high-end flats look set to get the green light

Plans to turn a former office block into 67 high-end flats and create a third floor for penthouse apartments are set to be approved.Equity House, in Bergholt Road, Colchester, was home to the brokering side of Equity Insurance Group until about three years ago, when between 150 and 200 people were employed in it.The company’s lease ended in September and all employees were moved elsewhere in Colchester.The building’s new owners, Crown House Homes, already have permission to create 64 flats but their proposals to add three apartments and create a third floor has been called in by ward councillors after objections were put forward by Myland Community Council. The council’s concerns centre on not enough amenity space being offered and the impact of the proposed third floor on neighbours in nearby Three Crowns Road.They also raised concerns there is no social housing contribution.The applicants have, though, offered the council £50,000 to be allocated to community projects.A final decision will be made by Colchester Council planning committee on Thursday, February 2.