BUSINESS units on Wivenhoe quay could be changed to homes if developers get their way.

Taylor Wimpey has applied to Colchester Council to turn four empty commercial units on the Cook’s Shipyard site into two-bedroom flats.

The developer says it has not found a buyer for four of the six units on the Pearl Walk site.

A report by council planning officers supports the application despite parking being below the minimum standard as the policy has changed since the units were first built, and can be reduced in urban areas.

But Wivenhoe Town Council fears parking is not adequate for homes and would like to see a more community-friendly use for the units, such as cafes.

Read more in Monday's Gazette.