A DEVELOPER is bidding to build smaller houses on land once owned by a jam factory but increase the number of them... all because of Brexit.

Wilkin and Sons was given permission to build 126 homes on land to the north of Factory Hill as part of a huge redevelopment of its site in 2013.

Developer Crest Nicholson bought the site in December 2017 and started building the homes.

So far 86 houses have been built or are under construction.

The remaining 40 homes were set to be a mix of three, four and fix bedroom properties.

But the firm now claims Brexit means fewer people want to buy bigger, more expensive homes.

Instead it now wants to axe the five bed homes and build nine more properties taking the total to 49 houses.

A planning statement said: “Market conditions in general, due to Brexit uncertainties, have led to a reduced interest in units at higher price points.

“Furthermore, several visitors to the site from Tiptree and the surrounds have expressed an interest in smaller properties.

“Crest has, therefore, re-designed the remaining phase of 40 units in order to substitute larger plots for smaller house types, including a number of two bedroom properties.

“Overall, the built footprint has been reduced by approximately 14,000sqft whilst a further nine units can be provided (included within that reduction), without compromising design quality.”

As part of the original application in 2013 Wilkin & Sons was also given permission to demolish its existing factory, in Factory Hill, and build 118 homes on the site.

Colchester Council will have the final say on the changes.