It took some time ... but one of the biggest developments Colchester has ever seen is finally on its way.

Six crucial planning applications for the Cuckoo Farm and Severalls scheme were last night given the conditional green light by the council's planning committee.

Stadium - an artist's impression of what Colchester United's new football stadium at Cuckoo Farm will look like.

But it wasn't easy.

The meeting was packed with members of the public, representatives from heritage bodies, parish councillors and campaigners who objected to the plans, which involve a community stadium, new housing and the third phase of the Northern Approach Road.

The committee gave the go-ahead to all six applications - but there were conditions.

Hours of work should be restricted to 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 1pm on Saturdays with no work carried out Sundays or public holidays.

In addition, the new service station should be no bigger than shown in the plans, a sign should be installed for those buying the new houses telling them of the facilities coming soon, buildings constructed behind Romulus Close should have height restrictions, anything of archeological value from the Severalls site should be salvaged and additional security should be provided on the site

The outcome was welcomed by Colchester's MP Bob Russell.

He said: "We got the right result. This is a huge hurdle but we are still running around the track and there are other hurdles to go."

Despite disappointment from the heritage groups and Myland Parish Council, the meeting's chairman, Ray Gamble (Lib Dem, St John's) said: "Some residents are very concerned and we should not forget that, but the scheme is a good one for Colchester."

Published Friday, August 1, 2003

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