CONTROVERSIAL plans for a gallery on the site of a community hall in Wivenhoe set for approval next week.

Applicant Pru Green hopes to turn the former St John’s Ambulance Hall in Chapel Road into a gallery, pottery studio and flat.

Colchester Council’s planning committee will debate and decide on the plans next Thursday during a meeting at the town hall.

A decision on the proposals was delayed at the last meeting after last minute information on the hall’s usage was presented at the eleventh hour to planning officers.

But following consideration of the new information officers have recommended the plans are approved by councillors, despite local opposition.

Brian Sinclair, chairman of the Wivenhoe Community Trust, said: “It is a community building and therefore can’t be demolished. The nearest alternative, the William Loveless Hall, is full to capacity and that’s the reason for needing this one.”

Robert Pomery, agent for Ms Green, said: “We hope the councillors follow the national planning policy framework, which says applications which comply should be approved, and allow it.”