PLANS for a multi-million pound sports hub are set to be approved by the council's planning committee.

The facility, as part of Northern Gateway development in Colchester, will be discussed at a planning committee meeting on July 5.

Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd submitted the planning application in March, which is set to be approved.

Plans include a sports centre with a cafe, 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.

A number of comments were raised about the plans.

Myland Community Council said in a report: "The area around the proposed entrance to the venue is currently very busy, with restricted movement due to parked cars and lorries.

"The council would suggest provision of parking restrictions and enforcement of these 24 hours a day on the access road must be a consideration.

"We would fully expect and support the provision of safer access across the junction roundabouts for both pedestrians and cyclists."

Concerns were also raised over security and increasing crime levels and access difficulties.

The council report said the need to provide additional sports and recreational facilities is recognised.

It added: "It is considered the design and layout of the scheme is a sensitive response to the current context and as such the development would not appear incongruous in its wider setting.

"The various impacts arising from the development have been properly addressed in the application."

If the recommendation of approval is accepted, plans will be referred to the Secretary of State.

It is hoped the project will be completed by the end of next year.

Colchester Council won £5.5 million in Government money which will be used to fund the Northern Gateway sports complex.