PLANS for a multi-million pound sports hub in Colchester have been approved.

As part of the town’s Northern Gateway project, a new 76-acre sports hub has won planning consent after being discussed at a planning committee meeting.

Plans were referred to the Secretary of State, who confirmed on July 20 they did not require a call in, therefore granting final permission.

The development at Cuckoo Farm will be delivered by Colchester Amphora Trading, which is owned and run by Colchester Council, with an aim of promoting physical activity.

The council is working with several potential funders on bids to support different aspects of the project, such as highways infrastructure as well as the sports facilities for cycling, rugby and indoor cricket.

Plans also include a five-court sports hall and changing facilities, a club house to be used by Colchester Rugby Club, two all-weather pitches, seven grass rugby pitches, a cycle track, an archery range and a new car park.

Nick Barlow (Lib Dem), chairman of Colchester Commercial Holdings Ltd, which is also part of the council’s commercial arm, said it was a positive step.

Mr Barlow, who is also the councillor responsible for commercial services, said: “This is a major step forward in the development of our exciting plans for Colchester’s Northern Gateway.

“This is a ground-breaking leisure and employment complex, which we are confident will attract visitors from across the borough and beyond.

“The work of Colchester Amphora Trading will be supported by advice from specialist sports and leisure consultants and they will continue with their excellent contacts with the future operators of the facilities and with sports organisations.”

However, not everyone has always been so enthusiastic about the plans.

In a statement on their website back in February, Colchester Rugby Club bosses initially said they were under “no obligation” to move home from Mill Road to the other side of the A12.

However, speaking after the approval was given, club chairman Karl O’Brien has said the plans are a good idea.

He added the club has been in talks with the council to make sure everything is planned properly.

The sports project is planned to be open by the autumn of 2019.

Colchester Council won £5.5 million in Government money to help fund the sports complex.

There is also a health facility and homes planned for south of the site although plans have not yet been revealed.