PLANS for hundreds more homes in the city have been warmly welcomed by Chelmsford MP Simon Burns.

An application for the second part of the City Park West development, situated on the old Anglia Ruskin site, off Park Road and Central Park, has been submitted.

It comes on the back of the announcement retail giant John Lewis will be opening a store at the new leisure park off Bond Street in 2016.

Phase one is expected to be completed next year. The second part of the development will provide 386 homes.

This will include 57,000 square foot of commercial space, if passed by the council. In total, the project will provide 605 homes.

Mr Burns said: “This is a very exciting time for the centre of Chelmsford with the arrival of Waitrose and John Lewis to the city.

“The house building on brownfield sites will provide badly needed extra housing for local residents. And it will help towards alleviating the housing needs of the community.

“And, of course, it will ensure the centre of the city is vibrant and thriving.”

Resident John Woods, 53, is pleased but has raised a concern. He said: “I just hope there will be enough parking.”