Big name superstores Aldi and B&Q could be on their way to Stanway in Colchester if major new proposals submitted by a developer are given the green light.
The Churchmanor Estates Company have applied for planning permission which could see the two shops open alongside a Marks & Spencer Food Hall.
Bosses revealed the plans, which would include another six other units aimed at furniture and homeware retailers, today as they lodged an application with Colchester Borough Council.
The £65million scheme would see the current B&Q store at the Hythe move into the Leisure Quarter opposite Sainsbury’s on the Stane Park site.
The existing Aldi store in London Road would also move into a new unit.
Stephen Clark of Churchmanor said: “We are delighted to have exchanged legal agreements with B&Q for their new replacement Colchester store, which will allow them to leave their existing store in the Hythe now that Colchester Borough Council have granted planning permission for Sainsbury’s to take their unit.
“This will improve the range of food shopping in the Hythe.
“The M&S Food Hall and Aldi will together offer an improved range of food shopping for the residents of Stanway, in addition to the existing Sainsbury’s store.”
Developers believe if planning permission is granted to them by early 2018, work could start in the spring.
They are urging members of the public to have their say on the plans via a questionnaire on their website.
A leisure development featuring restaurants such as Bella Italia, KFC and Nandos was given the go-ahead at the same site after an appeal earlier this year.
Construction work has already begun on this part of the site.
It is hoped the new retail scheme will also bring a range of highways improvements to the Eight Ash Green roundabout of the A12 if it is approved.
Mr Clark added: “We are proposing a wide range of improvements to the Eight Ash Green roundabout as well as dualling a section of the Western Bypass from the Sainsbury’s roundabout to Yeomanry Way.
“The whole package is costing some £2.6million and is the result of extensive discussions with Highways England on the best way to achieve improved road safety and use, not only of the junction but also the first section of Western Way to eliminate the queuing back onto the A12.
“If we obtain planning consent within the statutory 13 week period in February/March 2018 then we will be able to make a start on site and on the road improvements in the Spring to allow B&Q to open on time.”
The news follows a long-running planning row over Tollgate Village, a development also due to be built in Stanway.
Government inspectors overturned a decision by Colchester Borough Council to throw out the plans, which include a multi-screen cinema and several restaurants, back in August.
Fears were raised over the impact the development would have on town centre retail opportunities.
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