CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a community hall in Wivenhoe have been recommended for approval.

Proposals to turn the former St John’s Ambulance centre in Chapel Road into an art gallery and potter’s studio with a first floor flat were initially refused by councillors in October.

But following revisions to the plans officers at Colchester Council have now said they should get the green light, subject to conditions.

Opposition campaigners say the building is used by community groups and should be kept open for residents.

The Wivenhoe Community Trust has published plans showing how they would use the site if they could take it over, and trustees have raised the cash to match the asking price for the hall.

One of the suggested conditions is that the ground floor studio must be open to the public.

Councillors are set to decide on the application during a meeting on Thursday.

Read more in today's Gazette.