CONCERNS have been raised about the safety of pedestrians as part of a bid to turn Colchester’s former Post Office building into a fancy hotel.

Elysium Group, alongside its brand partner Marriott, wants to launch a Moxy Hotel in a currently vacant property at the top of North Hill.

The large commercial building, which was built in 1936 and boasts a neo-Tudor facade, was previously home to the Post Office up until its closure in 2018.

If the blueprints are signed off by planning bosses, the rear of the terraced building will be demolished to provide capacity but the locally-listed front would be retained.

The otherwise abandoned site, sandwiched between Yates and Centurion, would then be transformed into a 73-room hotel, with a restaurant on the ground level.

A number of comments have been left in support and against the plans.

One comment from Colchester Civic Society said the application was a “splendid vote of confidence in the tourist potential of Colchester.”

But the society said it had concerns about the narrow exit road and the height of the hotel.

It said: “Our particular concern is with the planned height of the hotel which we feel will have an unwarranted dominance on the square and particularly on the aspect of the Jumbo tower as it moves toward a restoration programme and into a revitalising stage.

“All in Colchester recognise that the Jumbo tower is of singular importance and any plans must be to enhance that rather than overpower and minimise the drama of its powerful presence.

“We would suggest that the hotel should be reduced by one floor in height and means made to minimise the intrusion of the servicing area.”

Another comment from an unnamed organisation raised concerns about the increased traffic caused by the development.

The objection reads: “From the proposal as outlined, there will clearly be an increased traffic flow into Church Street and Balkerne Passage.

“This will further be compounded by the increased deliveries of goods and services.”

It added: “Over 130,000 people annually access our building, with large groups of children, young people walking to performances and events from local schools and community groups.

“The risk of pedestrians and visitors has not been addressed as the site narrows at the new proposed entrance and exit to the hotel in Balkerene Passage.

“There would be a concentrated risk hazard on that corner, with its narrow entrance and exit, and unclear lines.

“In recent years, there has been many accidents, hence our introduction of strict traffic management issues.”

The Gazette reached out to the Elysium group for a comment.

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.