A NEW student block in Colchester’s Cultural Quarter represented a “monolithic institutional block” out of keeping with the town centre site, it has been claimed.

And the owners of a bijou hotel said better alternatives would be found to Alumno’s proposed redevelopment.

Speaking on the final day of the inquiry into the plans for land off Queen Street, OMC Developments, which is officially represented at the hearing, said it could be interested in developing the area.

In his closing submissions in front of inspector Melvyn Middleton, barrister Meyric Lewis said the designs for Alumno’s 336 student flats block represented a “monolithic institutional block” out of keeping with the area.

He said: “An exceptional area calls for an exceptional response. This is a very special location which demands a special development.

“The current scheme would not in any manner represent a lost opportunity for the site or town in general and you should have no qualms rejecting it. OMC are ready, willing and able to do it ourselves.

“We have been involved in several regeneration projects such as Greyfriars and East Hill Gardens. These developments are high quality examples of regeneration and the same principles would be applied to the appeal site.”

Alumno’s controversial proposals, which also include an 87-bed hotel, retail units and open space, were rejected over design issues and a lack of disabled access.

Simon Pickles, representing Colchester Council, told the inquiry the scheme was not the only hope of regeneration.

He said: “The proposal causes demonstrable harm to the appearance of the conservation area including two exceptional heritage assets. It causes further harm to Firstsite, Queen Street and Berryfield.”

He added: “The site is clearly in need of development and regeneration would benefit the town but the impact of the regeneration needs to be clearly studied.”

Alumno says the scheme would bring £5.4 million a year into the Colchester economy via new students and hotel guests. It set out a list of 20 social, economic and environmental benefits it claims the proposals would bring.

The scheme, however, drew unprecedented opposition from residents and yesterday campaigners had a chance to submit final written statements prior the the closure of the inquiry.

Dorian Kelly said in his letter: “If Colchester Council’s rejection had turned out to have been perverse, people like us would’ve had to have scratched around for evidence and probably would have come up with something pretty lame. But we have not had to scratch around.”

Alan Short said: “We need to recognise the unique nature of the Cultural Quarter site, its historic links and its potential for regeneration which would be lost - perhaps for another 15 years.”

A decision is expected within six months.