COLCHESTER United’s plans to build a £2million training ground in Tiptree have been rejected for a second time.

The U’s want to build a clubhouse, changing rooms and five football pitches at Vine Farm, off Grange Road.

They had gone back to the drawing board to iron out concerns after their initial application was refused in June.

However, in front of more than 100 residents at the meeting, Colchester Council turned down the proposal claiming it did not offer enough for the community. The club already has one appeal in the pipeline which is due to be heard in January.

The council faces a legal bill estimated at more than £200,000 if the decision is overturned.

John Lawson, the club’s planning agent, said one of the pitches would be used by local football teams, Tiptree Heath and Tiptree Jobserve, and would be one of the best in the county.

Ray Gamble, Lib Dem councillor for St John’s, said: “I know people say there’s not enough, but there is a pitch here which can be used by Tiptree clubs and youngsters. For me, it ticks all the boxes.”

Kevin Bentley, Conservative member for Birch and Winstree, said: “Colchester United, a team I support, is 20 miles from the village. There’s plenty of land close to the stadium the club could use."”

Seven councillors voted to reject the application, three abstained and only two supported it.