Colchester PFI planning approval is on the cards

The delayed £1bn privately financed Colchester Barracks project could receive full planning permission within the next month, according to RMPA Services Consortium project director Charles Barrington.

"The planning applications were sent to the planning committee in December 2002 and all were unanimously approved. We've received a positive decision from the planning committee and are now in the process of finalising the planning agreement. The next stage will be formal planning approval, which will hopefully be within the next month," said Barrington.

The RMPA Services consortium, which includes Sir Robert McAlpine, Sodexho and WS Atkins, was selected as preferred bidder in October 1999.

After a number of planning issues, delays have occurred and the project is not expected to be completed until late 2008. Under the original scheme, construction work was to be completed by 2004.

The 25- to 30-year Colchester project involves the creation of a city within a city and the supply of support services throughout the contract's life. Work will include the construction of offices, workshops, stores, training facilities, messes, accommodation and sports facilities.