A £12million Essex leisure development has been delayed after “human error” saw structures built in the wrong position.

The Stane Leisure Park in Stanway, near Colchester, is reported to have suffered a six week delay due to the “setting out” mistake..

Work on the multimillion pound development, which will include a McMullen’s pub, Starbucks, KFC, Nandos and Bella Italia, began this summer after a successful appeal against Colchester Borough Council’s original refusal. The full complex had been due to open next August, but has been knocked off schedule by the mistake.

Rose Builders, the main contractor for the leisure park, said: “Human error in setting out the GPS co-ordinates incorrectly has led to some of the works being built in the wrong position.

“Nevertheless we are sorting this problem out, but the major part of the construction work including to the car park, drainage and access roads are all continuing a pace”

Stephen Clark, of Churchmanor Estates for the landowner added: “These things happen and sadly a small human error has led to a slight delay in completion but the good thing is that the leisure park will, after a 5 year wait, be finished next Summer”

When complete, the development, located opposite Sainsburys on the Western Bypass, is hoped to create 260 jobs, as well as community benefits, such as the widening of London Road, new footpaths and cycleways and a bus link into the adjacent Wyvern Farm housing development.

Initial discussions over the leisure development began in September 2013, however the application was refused in 2015 by borough planners who cited the potential impact on Colchester town centre and the loss of employment land as reasons not to approve it.

The decision proved controversial, with Conservative politicians accusing the council of trying to scupper the development.

However it was approved by the Government’s planning inspector in July last year.

Mr Clark said at the time he was “absolutely delighted” that the inspector found in favour of the development, which he would “serve the local community and complement the existing leisure offer of Stanway”.