A NEW fast food restaurant branch will soon be opening in Harwich after plans were green-lit by council bosses.

Taco Bell is set to join the £7million Stanton Europark after Tendring Council approved a revised application which was submitted back in July.

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

Planning permission was previously granted by the council in February for a development including a 68-bed hotel, two drive thru restaurants and 10 business units.

After plans for a KFC branch were removed during the planning process, Burnley Estates looked to add another drive-thru in the form of Taco Bell.

Tendring Council has now approved the latest plans for the eatery and work must commence no later than February 16, 2026.

A report submitted during the planning process also highlighted potential employment possibilities offered by the new site.

It said: “The site is within an employment zone and therefore it is an important part of this scheme to expand on the number of potential employees by proposing the units to suit the needs of businesses and the character of the area. 

“We feel that there is a high demand to business units proposed with this scheme in the area and therefore our proposal makes best use of the space available and allows for a greater level of employment opportunities.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Approval - Bill Davidson hopes the Taco Bell will provide new employment opportunities for the areaApproval - Bill Davidson hopes the Taco Bell will provide new employment opportunities for the area (Image: Newsquest)

Bill Davidson, ward councillor for Dovercourt Vines and Parkeston, also highlighted employment prospects created by the new eatery and said he was pleased the decision had been made to bring the restaurant to the area.

He said: “If it brings employment to this area, I’m extremely happy with that. 

“If it’s going to bring employment, it’ll only be a good thing.

"It’s good for the area and employment’s got to be at the top of our list.”

Taco Bell was founded in 1962 in California and serves everything from tacos, burritos and wraps to nacho fries, black beans, and rice.