A DECADE-LONG bid to build a tourist attraction in north Essex’s historic countryside has suffered a major setback after planners said it should not go ahead.

Colchester Council’s planning committee has spent more than two years deliberating on a bid to build Horkesley Park on more than 100 acres of countryside, some of which is in the Dedham Vale area of natural beauty.

Last night they revealed they would be recommending that the council’s planning committee blocks the proposed development when it meets next Thursday.

Now the applicants, Colchester family firm Bunting & Sons, face an uphill task to convince the councillors sitting on the committee to reject their officer’s advice and approve the application.

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