PLANS to build more than 1,000 new student rooms, likened to buildings in post war East Berlin, have been given the green light.

Essex University and Uliving applied to Colchester Council to create five new buildings near their Knowledge Gateway Site.

The buildings, off Capon Road and Annan Road, will provide 1,204 student rooms and 58 studios.

A new “hub” will be created in one of the blocks to provide a reception, post room and administrative area.

The buildings will be arranged to create two undergraduate courtyards and a third neutral student space.

The plans were recommended for approval by planning officers and approved unanimously at a planning meeting subject to conditions.

Chris Oldham, director of estates and campus services at Essex University, told the meeting the new building was similar to others found around the campus.

He said: “If the university is to attract the best students from the widest backgrounds we have to provide them with a transformative learning experience which includes good quality, affordable accommodation.

“[We are] certain it will be a fitting addition to the university estate.”

Residents had raised concerns about the proximity of the site to existing homes.

Roger Buston, ward councillor for Prettygate, said the design of the buildings was “subjective”.

He said: “The buildings to me bear a striking resemblance to a number I saw in East Berlin, however that in this instance is not up to me to decide.”

But Shrub End councillor Pauline Hazel said: “Rather than harking back to Moscow, which perhaps it could, or East Germany, I find it strangely modern and futuristic rather than old fashioned.

“I thought it was extremely attractive and it actually reminded me of the 1930s and perhaps art deco.

“As long as the white is kept clean and not allowed to dis-colour they will always look rather attractive.”

The university’s six year strategy until 2025 aims to grow from 16,500 students to about 20,000 students.

The university hopes to provide accommodation to all students in their first year of study.

This target is being achieved but to keep this promise the university have identified a need to build new accommodation.