The long-awaited planning inquiry into Alumno's plans for Colchester's so-called cultural quarter is set to start today.
A Government planning inspector will preside over the appeal, which starts at 10am at St Botolph's Church.
Alumno wants to build 336 students flats, an 87-bed Travelodge, retail units and public space on land off Queen Street.
The plans were refused by Colchester Council's planning committee in February on the grounds of a lack of consultation, design and access issues.
However the developer lodged an appeal earlier this year and the Planning Inspectorate will now be asked to rule on whether the committee was right to refuse the proposals.
The appeal is set to hear arguments from Colchester Council, Alumno and opponents to the scheme.
The inquiry is expected to last until October 25.
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