An 11th-hour e-mail led to the go-ahead for a £3.5m 80-job investment in the Dunmow area.
Highways officers had originally objected to plans by Windward Bananas to extend ripening rooms and production space at its Little Canfield depot.
But at last Wednesday's meeting of Uttlesford development control committee, members were told the objection had been withdrawn after receiving information on traffic impact and access.
Uttlesford planning officer Mike Ovenden said as this was the reason for his department's recommendation for refusal, he overturned it and said permission could be given subject to conditions.
Little Canfield Parish Council had no objections to the development subject to conditions covering light pollution, landscaping, access and lorries only using the A120.
Windward Bananas general manager Phil Collins said the scheme would not increase traffic above that already permitted.
"We want to remain good neighbours, continuing the links with the local community we have had over the last 40 years," he said.
Dunmow member John Murphy said a lot of people who live in his patch work at the depot.
"It's important that this type of employment is retained in this area otherwise people will have to travel further away."
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