The public will be asked what they think of a complex development which includes a new Colchester United and community stadium.

A draft masterplan for the development of land in north Colchester will be put on display for public consultation.

The area includes council-owned agricultural land at Cuckoo Farm, and the nearby former psychiatric Severalls Hospital, which is owned by the health authority.

Members of Colchester Council's environment and transport policy panel agreed to a six-week public consultation which is likely to start after Christmas. Exhibitions are planned at venues in Mile End, High Woods and Great Horkesley.

The masterplan includes a 10,000-seater stadium for Colchester United and the community, with parking for 650 vehicles, which will be increased on match days.

The plans also feature a health and fitness centre, a 100-bed hotel, pub/restaurant and park-and-ride facility with 400 parking spaces and a bus link to Colchester railway station.

The scheme also includes a business park, 1,200 homes, two new primary schools and a creche and nursery, children's play areas, allotments and open space.

A petrol station, roadside restaurant and lorry park is planned for Cuckoo Farm north of the A12.

It is also hoped to retain some of the historic buildings on the hospital site, such as the tower and Central Avenue buildings.

The 269-acre development, which straddles the A12, will be linked to the completion of the Northern Approaches road and a junction at the A12.

By Julia Gregory

Reporter's e-mail: julia_gregory@thisisessex.co.uk

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