BUSINESS and culture boss Tim Young said “the ball is now in Alumno’s court” with three options for the troubled scheme on the table.

After the planning committee’s unanimous rejection of the plans, Mr Young, who was a big supporter of the scheme, said he recognised the concerns of the committee.

“The ball is now in Alumno’s court,” he said.

“They have got some decisions to make.

“There are three options - they can appeal, they can resubmit another application taking into account the findings of the committee or they can walk away.

“There is no doubt they will want to speak to the council and our planning officers.

“I think discussions should be reopened but it is only the morning after the night before.

“What I do not want is to see the site being left as a rubble strewn wasteland for any longer than needed.”

Conservative group leader Darius Laws said he has written to council leader Mark Cory offering to help shape the future of the site.

He said: “Much reference was made during the planning committee meeting of a 2005 masterplan but given that in those days we didn’t even own smart phones I am minded we need a wholesale review of what we want from this important town centre site.

“Colchester deserves a cultural-led destination experience as part of the redevelopment of this site. Ultimately I want Colcestrians to have the chance to input into what that might look like.”

Mr Laws said he has had confirmation from the leader of Essex County Council the decision to lift the covenant on the land is now “on hold”.

Campaigner Alan Short said the scheme’s opponents were wary of an appeal by the developer, which could cost the council thousands in legal bills.

He said: “I will also be asking for the council’s scrutiny panel to look into how the whole situation unfolded.”

Alumno did not respond to The Gazette's requests to comment on Friday. 

READ OUR LIVE BLOG FROM THE MEETING HERE.