MAJOR plans for a £7million retail park including a Travelodge hotel, Burger King, Starbucks and Howdens have been given the go-ahead in Harwich.

Burney Estates has been given permission to build the 68-bed hotel, two drive-through restaurants, ten business units and a 283-space car park at Stanton Europark, Parkeston.

The six-acre site, which will be accessed from Freshfields Road, is currently vacant grassland and is directly behind the Morrisons supermarket.

Plans for a KFC at the site were removed during the planning process, but kitchens, joinery and hardware firm Howdens have now signed up to the scheme.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Units - the layout of the Stanton Europark site in ParkestonUnits - the layout of the Stanton Europark site in Parkeston (Image: Burney Group)

Darren Burney, managing director, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have finally got our planning consent.

“We are now focused on getting on to site to commence the build as soon as practically possible.

“We are sure this will be great for the Harwich community as it will create significant jobs, especially considering the current economic climate.”

It is expected that the first phase of the works will start by the end of April and that the restaurants will be completed by the end of August.

The Travelodge is expected to take a year to complete, while the second phase will see the construction of the business units.

It is expected that the first phase will see more than 80 jobs created.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Artist's image - the planned Travelodge hotelArtist's image - the planned Travelodge hotel (Image: Burney Group)

Mr Burney added that the family-run company, which is based in Chigwell, is proud of its developments and will retain ownership of the site as part of a long-term investment.

The plans were approved by Tendring Council officers.

A report said: “The proposed mixed-use development is acceptable in principle and there would be no unacceptable highway safety impacts.

“The proposal would deliver significant economic, tourism and employment benefits through the development of this allocated employment site, which has been vacant for many years.”

Bill Davidson, ward councillor for Dovercourt Vines and Parkeston, previously welcomed the application "with open arms”.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Plans - the site layoutPlans - the site layout (Image: Burney Group)

“This will bring a lot of employment into the area and hopefully even more businesses,” he said.

“Following the successful Freeport bid for Harwich Port, this is a big vote of confidence in Parkeston.”