BATTLE lines have been drawn at the start of the planning appeal to decide the future of Colchester’s so-called Cultural Quarter.

After hearing the evidence at St Botolph’s Church, planning inspector Melvyn Middleton will be asked to decide whether Colchester Council’s planning committee was right to turn down Alumno’s plans for land off Queen Street.

The council is defending its decision, despite officers recommending the plans for approval, with independent witnesses from Pegasus Planning Group called in to substantiate the decision.

Simon Pickles, representing Colchester Council, said the authority was right to to refuse the application on the grounds of a lack of disabled access and design issues.

He argued the proposed disabled ramp was too steep to meet building regulations and alternative arrangements to install a lift lacked detail.

Mr Pickles said: “The ramp clearly does not accord with the planning policies and masterplan.

“The absence, not paucity, of details as part of the application about control over access under the lift, what it might look like and its maintenance requirements is not acceptable in the circumstances, and should not be left to consideration and approval pursuant to condition.”

Mr Pickles also told the inquiry the council planned to dispute Alumno’s claims the development would enhance the setting of the town centre.

He added: “The adverse impacts identified by the council, which would be permanent, significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits arising, and the absence of detail in respect of disabled access is also unacceptable.”

The committee’s third reason to reject the plans, lack of consultation, will not be defended by the council but will be examined at the appeal on request of Rule 6 party OMC Investments.

Alumno’s proposals are to build 336 student flats, an 87-bed Travelodge hotel, retail units and public open space on the derelict site.

Richard Wald, representing the firm, said the development would bring major social, economic and environmental benefits to the town centre.

“It represents a significant investment into the town centre,” he said.

“The spending power of the students will be an estimated £1.9 million a year and the hotel guests will be £3.5 million.

“New commercial space will be provided and a new hotel will be provided in a sustainable location.”

READ MORE: Owner of Greyfriars warns Alumno's plans would harm Colchester