BLUEPRINTS for new sports facilities and 65 homes between Clacton and Holland-on-Sea have been approved.

Scott Properties submitted plans for bungalows and the new facilities, including a playing pitch, clubhouse and changing rooms, on the redundant Colchester Institute playing fields, off Gainsford Avenue.

The original plans were for a minifootball stadium for Holland FC, but they were scaled down during talks with Tendring Council, which will be handed ownership of the pitches.

Holland FC chairman Mark Sorrell said the club still had big aspirations, despite the downsizing of the proposals.

Mr Sorrell said the current plans were the minimum the club could achieve, but he hoped a stand could be built in the future.

Councillor John White called for neighbours to be protected from floodlighting.

The hours they can be used will be restricted by planning conditions.

The application includes 39 two-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom homes on the six-hectare site, along with more than 200 car parking spaces.