D-DAY for the planning appeal into Alumno's plans for Colchester's so-called Cultural Quarter could come before the end of the month, it was announced.

Bringing the appeal to a close on Wednesday afternoon planning inspector Melvyn Middleton said he hoped to be able to issue a decision before December rolls around.

He also took time to give special praise to members of the public who had attended throughout the eight-day appeal process.

Sir Bob Russell, who attend and spoke throughout the hearing, said singling out the public for praise was quite an unusual step by a planning inspector.

"He said quite often people attended on the first day of an inquiry, but it was unusual for so many people to have attended on such a regular basis over the eight days," Sir Bob said.

"Amongst those he was referring to were the president and chair of Colchester Civic Society, John Burton and Jo Edwards, arts supremo Dorian Kelly, campaigner Alan Short; and myself."

Dozens of campaigners and interested Colcestrians also attended most, if not all, of the hearing.

Alumno is attempting to overturn Colchester Council's decision to reject its plans to build 336-student room, an 87-bed Travelodge and retail units on land off Queen Street.