CONTROVERSIAL plans for the redevelopment of Colchester’s so-called Cultural Quarter have been recommended for approval.

Alumno’s proposals for the St Botolph’s area of the town, which include 336 student flats, an 87-bed Travelodge Hotel, retail units and open space will go before Colchester Council’s planning committee next Thursday.

And despite campaigners’ unwavering opposition to the plans, officers have recommended the bid be approved.

According to a report which will go before the committee next week, the development meets Colchester Council’s sustainable development policy and will bring benefits in three main areas - economic, social and environmental.

The report states: “The current proposal would provide economic benefits, it would lead to investment during the construction phase, provide employment opportunities and increase the vitality in this part of the town centre.

It continues: “The social role of sustainable development is described as supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities by providing the supply of housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations.

“The proposal is considered to meet these objectives.

“The proposals will result in the removal of the bus depot from the town wall and in doing so would better reveal its significance and would result in the redevelopment of a derelict and underutilised town centre site.”

Protesters have been campaigning against the development since the plans were first revealed in September.

Hundreds of official objections have been submitted and demonstrations have been held outside council meetings, however, the planning committee will have the final say.

The report continues: “There is also sufficient evidence to be confident that overall the development would not cause significant harm to the amenity of nearby residents, create noise or pollution or have a severe impact upon the highway network or damage the ecology of the area.

“Overall it is considered the positive environmental effects and sustainability of the proposal would weigh in favour of this scheme. “