PLANS for a multiplex cinema and other leisure facilities have been given the final green light.

A proposal for an iMax cinema with state of the art 4DX screens at Northern Gateway were approved by Colchester Council's planning committee in July.

But council bosses had to refer the scheme to Secretary of State Sajid Javid, as part of the scheme was slightly removed from the adopted Local Plan.

It has now been confirmed Mr Javid will not call-in the proposals, meaning work can begin shortly.

Council leader Paul Smith (Lib Dem) said: "I'm very pleased the cinema and associated leisure facilities are now going to go ahead.

"They are going to be of great value to the people of Colchester.

"There will be a sizeable investment and a large number of jobs created.

"It should be good news for everyone in the area."

Hundreds of people signed a petition in support of the scheme, which was also backed by Colchester MP Will Quince.

Developers Turnstone estates - who are set to build the project on Colchester Council land - believe the cinema will be the best cinema in the region.

The plans also include proposals for restaurants - with Smashburger - already confirmed and an 80-bed hotel which will be operated by Travelodge.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: "The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has today decided not to call-in Turnstone’s leisure-led development at Colchester Northern Gateway.

“In accordance with the planning committee’s resolution, a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Act will now be completed to allow the scheme to be approved subject to planning conditions.”