FRESHLY built stores in a £60million retail park could be getting upgraded after plans were recommended for approval by a planning officer.

The impressive Stane Park, located just off the Western Bypass near Tollgate, opened in October after works began in September 2020.

Now, plans have been submitted to add a first floor/mezzanine level to four units in the park, including the M&S Foodhall – which will be the first food-only store from the brand in Colchester.

Three other vacant units at the northern end of the site, left of B&Q, are also the focus of the proposal which will see up to 2,300 square metres of additional space installed inside each store.

If approved by Colchester Council’s planning committee, the work to construct the extra floorspace will commence as soon as January 6, 2022.

Read more >> Developer reveals the two new stores to open at £60 million retail park in 2022

However, it has left council leader Paul Dundas feeling concerned about the impact further work at the retail park could have on Colchester’s town centre.

“I am generally in favour of Stane Park as it brings local employment with lots more choice, including a new M&S to come, for Stanway and we’ve got nearly £3million of road investment from it,” said Mr Dundas.

Concerned - Paul Dundas says Stane Park could steal people from Colchesters town centre

Concerned - Paul Dundas says Stane Park could steal people from Colchester's town centre

“However, I’m concerned about the creep up in retail floorspace compared to that originally intended and the knock-on effect both on the town centre and road access.

“This was designed for the original amount which they are planning to increase, albeit not by a lot, with no other changes.

“I hope the planning committee examine in detail whether the increase needs a matched parking increase and if it will have any extra impact on the town centre before considering granting permission.”

As part of the construction works, developer Churchmanor spent £2.6 million on improvements to the Eight Ash Green A12 roundabout with a new four way traffic signal junction.

The works, which were completed in November, also saw the Western Bypass widened to two lanes between Essex Yeomanry Way and the Sainsbury’s roundabout.

However, teething problems with the new traffic lights saw huge traffic tailbacks when they became operational in November.

The issues were swiftly rectified by National Highways.