A WINTER Wonderland in Colchester’s Castle Park is set to get the green light from planners.

Ben Payne wants to bring festive sparkle to the park with an ice rink, German-style Christmas market and funfair rides.

Colchester Council’s planning committee has been advised to approve the application when its meets on Thursday.

Mr Payne, of Colchester, has been working on the project since October.

He said: “I’m trying not to get too excited. I’ve been through so many processes on this so I’m not counting my chickens yet.

“We still need to get the councillors to vote it through.”

If he gets the go-ahead, the attraction will begin on November 26 and run until January 3. It will be open between 10am and 10pm every day apart from Sundays when it will close at 9pm.

The report says the event has the potential to attract significant numbers of visitors to Colchester.”

It says: “The proposed festival would serve to raise the regional profile of Colchester, boost the town centre economy and create potential jobs.

“The potential economic benefits of this proposal for the town are considerable.”

Mr Payne has been working with Colchester Council and Essex County Council to come up with a transport and parking strategy.

He is hoping to install temporary bike parking in the site.

Mr Payne said there are ongoing discussions with the county council about extending the Colchester Park and Ride’s opening hours during the period. It closes at 7pm.

He is also working with businesses in the town and the council, to ensure his new event fits in with the town’s Christmas celebrations, including late night shopping.

A number of the conditions have been put in place to insure minimum disruption to nearby residents.

Mr Payne said: “We need to work with residents because we are there for a long time.”

The event cannot include any flashing lights and all lighting and music must be directed away from homes. A sound limit has also been put in place.

At night there will only be two entrances – via Museum Street and Cowdray Crescent – to keep visitors on the High Street and away from surrounding streets.