Councillors are divided over plans for a leisure and retail park which could create 200 jobs.

Residents packed the gallery at last night's Tendring Council development control sub-committee for the two-hour debate on developer Britton Construction's scheme to build Brook Farm on the outskirts of Clacton.

It submitted a planning application last year and has since lodged an appeal, which will be heard in September, as it was not determined within a specific time.

Councillors voted seven to four to oppose the plan at appeal.

The new plan now has no food outlet, but still includes provision for retail outlets, a country park, park and ride scheme and leisure facility - which may be a multiplex cinema, the meeting heard.

Mike Bargent (Lib Dem, St John's) said: "It has got to be council-led. There has been a tremendous amount of pressure put on members - people have had half-hour phone calls, etc. That is not the way to do it."

Cornelius Olivier (Lab, Brightlingsea East) added: "This is not a country park with a commercial development attached - it's a commercial development with a country park attached."

He called on councillors not to go for a "quick fix solution to the long-term economic problems of this district".

Supporting the scheme, Pierre Oxley (Con, Southcliff) questioned why there was no mention of the economic benefits in the council's report, and added: "I will be campaigning vigorously to make damn sure it will go ahead."

A shopping survey commissioned by Britton showed that residents travel to Colchester for DIY goods and carpets.

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