A TEAM of planning, design and heritage experts has been brought in from an outside consultancy firm to fight a hotly anticipated planning appeal.

Colchester Council has brought in three experts from Pegasus Group, a national multidisciplinary consultancy company, to help it defend its decision to reject Alumno's plans for the town's so-called Cultural Quarter.

The proposals for 336 students flats, an 87-bed Travelodge, retail units and public space were rejected by the authority's planning committee in February due to concerns over design, access and lack of consultation.

Pegasus' executive director of planning Nicky Parson, heritage consultant Chris Morley and executive director of urban design Mike Carr will give evidence at the planning inquiry.

Colchester Council said the consultants have met with the authority's planning barrister to discuss the scope of their evidence, which will be formed independently.

Council officers will provide a support role only as they are professionally conflicted in the case.

The planning inquiry is set to take place over six days in October.