Higgins Group, the privately owned contractor, plans to double its housing output next year to nearly 300 units.
The group said the hike in completions was the result of increased land buying in the past year and would mainly consist of one- and two-bedroom developments.

Richard Higgins, who jointly chairs the company with his father and company founder Derek, said: "We have been selective with the sites, but now we have some very good ones. The increases will come from two sites mainly, both in Colchester. One is for 160 units and another is for 110 units."

The Essex-based company posted pre-tax profit of £3.75m for the year to 31 July, a rise of 22%. Turnover increased from £95m to £99.6m.

The group's housing development business had an increase of turnover of 38% to £21.3m.

Higgins' construction business had a turnover for the year of £78.1m.

It focuses on public-sector housing refurbishment and new build.