FOOD giants KFC and Greggs have been given the green light to open on a retail park, but the move has sparked major fears of a traffic nightmare. 

The big-name firms got the go-ahead from Colchester Council to move on to Colchester Retail Park, in Sheepen Road.

The current Shoezone unit will be split in two when the firm's lease ends.

The Gazette previously reported on the plans at the start of August and how this would be the seventh Greggs chain in the city and the fourth KFC in the area.

Bosses at nearby Colchester Institute, also in Sheepen Road, “strongly” objected to the plans.

Concerned - signage for The InstituteConcerned - signage for The Institute (Image: Google Maps)

They said the Institute had not been directly consulted about the proposal and it was opposed to the plans given “the concerns about the potential negative impacts on the area from both a safety and Essex Highways perspective”.

They said: “We believe this proposal will result in a significant increase in traffic to an area that already reaches gridlock at peak times of the week.

“Our highest concern will be the impact of congestion and the safety of our staff and students along the access road to the rear of the retail park which forms the main student entrance to Colchester Institute.

“We are also very concerned about the increased risk of antisocial behaviour and group gatherings, which were seen during the time of previous leaseholders that have since moved on.”

signage - KFCsignage - KFC (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Castle Ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor said: “It is a significant concern that has been raised to me as well, not only the increased traffic but also the risks associated with putting fast-food that close to schools.

“However you want to spin it, they are children, they are impressionable, and making fast food that accessible, that isn’t necessarily going to meet their nutritional needs, needs to be looked at.

“It is a shame we don’t have more tools for controlling which businesses take up space in our business parks and it is why we need much stronger planning rules.

“Part of the function of local government is to balance the needs of the local economy and attracting businesses, with the risk and hazards those businesses will introduce.

Business - a Greggs Business - a Greggs

“This is a prime example of that. In economic terms it can only be a good thing, but the risks and hazards it is going to bring to schools within easy walking distance…

“Balancing the risks and making sure that residents and particularly young people are protected is important.”

Tarras Park Properties made the planning application.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted that planning approval has been granted for the re-letting of this unit to two national occupiers.

“This will provide more choice to visitors to Colchester Retail Park. 

“We are working with consultants to deliver the project in a timely manner and with minimal disruption to adjacent occupiers and neighbours.”

A date has not been specified for when Shoezone's lease will end.