Around 400 jobs could be heading to Colchester as planning permission is granted for a new retial park containing an M&S Food Hall, B&Q and an Aldi supermarket.

The Stane Retail Park in Stanway will sit beside an existing leisure park and the large Sainsbury’s, creating a super-complex for retail outlets and shoppers.

Developers Churchmanor Estates are hoping to attract furniture stores and home ware retailers to the remaining units still available in the development, but 60% of the available retail space is designated for Aldi and B&Q already.

Stephen Clark, of Churchmanor, said: “It is wonderful news that permission has been granted for our scheme and we look forward to getting started on site.

“We believe that this mix of retail, together with our recently completed leisure park will offer a much needed retail destination for the residents of Stanway, together with creating around 400 jobs.”

The plans have now passed through Colchester Borough Council’s planning committee with arrange of highway improvements totalling around £2.5million, which are designed to improve the road network in the Eight Ash Green area, the A12 junction and the Western bypass.

Lesley Scott-Boutell, Liberal Democrat borough councillor for Stanway, said: “These plans have passed now that a site management and security plan have been added and I am pleased they have been included.

“It includes CCTV camera monitoring, site security and on-site cleaning, which is necessary for a large space such as the proposed car park.

“I also welcome the promise of the highway infrastructure to be put in place and road crossings for local people as well as adjoining cycle roads.

“For the people that live nearby, these additions are vital.”

Cllr Scott-Boutell was also pleased to see that the proposed car parking bays were of a suitable size and had not been minimized at the expense of future customers car doors.

The second part of the development at Stane Park will join the existing leisure park, which holds the Princess Charlotte pub and will soon have major chains like Nandos, KFC and Starbucks in its premises.

Churchmanor Estates worked with the council in the past to deliver the Colchester Business Park on Severalls Lane.