A PROPOSED £5 million upgrade of a Colchester retail centre could win planning approval next week.

Officers at Colchester Council have recommended councillors approve a bid to add a Costa Coffee and three new stores to Turner Rise, next to Asda.

Applicants Quadrant Estates also want to create space for one-off events such as farmers markets or Christmas tree sales.

They say plans to introduce a one way loop system for motorists will help alleviate congestion at North Station Roundabout, as will forthcoming traffic changes by Essex County Council.

Myland Community Council welcomed the creation of new jobs but expressed concerns about an increase in traffic.

Essex County Council highways officers said only five to six cars an hour would travel to and from Turner Rise, as the new stores would be visited by shoppers spending longer there.

Two residents also opposed the bid, citing congestion, while the owners of Lion Walk shopping centre also submitted an objection, claiming the expansion and market stalls would damage town centre trade.

A final decision will be made by councillors at Colchester town hall next Thursday from 6pm.