AN angry business owner has hit out at plans to remove access rights from residents to allow works to start on a controversial student flats scheme.

Earlier this year Colchester Council approved using special legal appropriation powers on the strip of land off Queen Street to get Alumno’s plans moving.

Alternative arrangements have been made for access and for deliveries, however, the plans have still drawn strong opposition from those in the area.

Andy Skene, owner of Queen Street Brewhouse, said the alternative loading bay provided was totally unsuitable.

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He said: “The nearest loading bay to us is in Culver Street West by the back of Cash Converters.

“This is an issue because beer barrels are heavy. Normally, delivery drivers would pull up right in the backyard.

“It is a long way for these guys to transport the deliveries. There hasn’t really been any thought put into it.”

He added: “It is going to make a huge difference to all the businesses down here.”

Alumno was contacted by the Gazette but did not respond by the time of going to press.