ESSEX University has been given the green light to build a new 643-room accommodation complex.

The rooms will be split across two seven-storey blocks and will mean the university has 4,747 student bedrooms in the town.

All first year and overseas students will now be able to have a room on the campus.

Chris Oldham, director of campus services said the new complex was essential as the university continues to welcome more and more students.

He said: "With student numbers continuing to grow, we will be working with our partner Uliving to develop the next phase of student accommodation on our Colchester Campus to secure the future success of the university."

The new blocks are set to be opened in time for the intake of students starting at the university in autumn 2018.

Students and members of the public were consulted on the plans before they were submitted to Colchester Council for consideration.

The proposals received no objections and were able to be approved by officers without going before the planning committee.