Tendring: Council backing for controversial business complex

11:11am Friday 9th May 2008

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Major plans for a controversial business complex have been given council approval, ahead of a public inquiry.

Developer Gary Rowe, director of Express Transport Systems, wants to build an 80-bedroom hotel and business complex on land south of the A120 and west of the B1035, at Horsley Cross.

He hopes the scheme will create about 300 jobs after the fresh decision was made last night by Tendring Council's Development Control Committee.

Although the committee first considered the plan in December 2006, and approved it in February last year, a fresh decision was needed because the council adopted a local plan in December, in which the site was not included for industrial use.

However, a fire at a business park that housed three of the companies involved in the application means there is an increasing need for the site.

Councillor Giles Watling (Frinton, Cons), opposed the application.

He said: "In this district we are desperate for regeneration, but why there? It seems to be logical to put employment in places like Harwich and Dovercourt."

But Steven Henderson (Harwich West Central, Comm Reps), said: "If this council is really serious about creating and retaining jobs they have got to look at this application, or say we are not a council for employment."

Nine councillors voted in favour of the application and six opposed it, so it was carried.

A public inquiry is due to begin on July 22. It was called in by the secretary of state last March.

The inquiry will have the power to overturn the decision made by the council.