A multi-million pound development on the edge of Harwich which will create more than 1,000 jobs has been approved by councillors.

The proposal at Pond Hall Farm in Ramsey includes 297 homes, a six-screen cinema, supermarket, petrol station, pub, shops and restaurants.

Members of Tendring District Council’s planning committee has unanimously backed the plans, which had also been supported by residents and nearby town and parish councils.

Clare David, planning development manager at Tendring District Council, said: “Subject to a number of controls and conditions this application is acceptable.

“The scale of development is not out of character and will not have an adverse impact on its setting.”

The application from Harding Estates will now need to be approved by the Secretary of State.

The land, between the A120 and Stour Close

The site is between the A120 and Stour Close in Dovercourt and was allocated for business and industrial development for a number of years.

However as there has been little commercial development interest the land has been put forward for mixed use in the emerging Local Plan, a blueprint for growth in the district over the next 20 years, in a bid to unlock its economic potential.

Carl Minter, of Harding Estates, told the committee: “It will unlock the development potential of the site and is a vote of confidence in Harwich.

“It will create 1,000 new jobs and is a great opportunity for the town of Harwich and the district of Tendring.”