The proposed Stane Park Leisure Quarter development near Colchester will not increase traffic congestion, the property developer behind the scheme has said.
Churchmanor Estates has already lined up Nandos, Bella Italia and McMullens for the first phase of the development in Stanway. The three outlets have been granted licences by Colchester Borough Council.
Concerns have been raised that the site could increase the number of traffic problems in the area but Stephen Clark, managing director of Churchmanor Estates, said there would be a “limited” impact.
He said: “A number of visitors to the exhibition were dumbfounded that with the current traffic levels in London Road at peak times, the Wyvern Farm Persimmon housing development scheme for over 350 new homes was granted consent without any identified improvements in London Road being addressed. In comparison, it is accepted that our scheme for the Leisure Quarter has a limited traffic impact and is fully compliant with the highway requirements without improvement.
“However, we do understand the issues faced by local residents and would be willing to make some key land available and a significant financial contribution to Essex County Council to assist with the widening of London Road close to the roundabout. We would also be willing to help sort out the existing highway flooding affecting some houses in London Road, which was high on local residents concerns.”
Further plans for the proposed development were unveiled by Churchmanor Estates at a consultation event on April 14.
In total, 103 people attended the public exhibition, and 82% of those surveyed said they either supported or strongly supported the proposals.
Some 4% of people were against the proposals and 84% said they approved of the proposed new community facilities, which include a park and children’s play area.
Mr Clark added: “We were delighted with the high attendance at the public consultation event and the positive response from people in the local area.
“The feedback at this stage will help us in formulating a plan that is the most attractive to the local community.”
A planning application is to be submitted to Colchester Borough Council in early May for Phase 1b, according to a spokesman for Churchmanor Estates. A decision on the Leisure Quarter is expected following the general election, the spokesman added.
The plans are available to view at www.stanepark.com
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