A RESTAURANT has pulled out of a new development and there are questions over whether another will open.

Coast to Coast and Bella Italia were due to open at Stane Park in Stanway in the coming weeks.

Building work was completed last month and a number of its neighbours have already moved in.

However, Coast to Coast has said it is no longer looking to open and Bella Italia has admitted it has yet to make a decision.

A spokesman from Coast to Coast said: “We initially signed for this site in 2015.

“However, given the changing dynamics of the casual dining market, we have altered our plans and are no longer looking to open a site in this location.”

A spokesman for Bella Italia said: “We are currently still reviewing the opportunity to open the site in Colchester and a final decision is yet to be made.”

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We live nearby and we want it to look busy. I don’t know why they have yet to make a decision, we thought it was all done and dusted.”

The first phase of Stane Park was given the go-ahead by a planning inspector last year.

It was initially refused by Colchester Council’s planning committee before the Government inspector overturned their decision. Churchmanor Estates, which owns Stane Park, has now revealed work on its neighbouring retail park will begin in six months.

The site will be home to B&Q, Aldi and an M&S foodhall.

Nando’s, KFC and a Starbucks drive thru are still set to open at phase one.

A spokeswoman for Churchmanor Estates said: “We are excited the first tenant opening at Stane Leisure Park will be Starbucks, which is being opened by the mayor today.

“KFC have confirmed they will be opening later this month, and Nando’s are due to open in early November.

“As yet we do not have an opening date for Bella Italia and Coast to Coast.”