A COUNCILLOR has reassured residents about traffic arrangements after a row broke out over the access for building a major retail park.

Harding Estates has been given the go-ahead to build a cinema, 63-bed hotel, pub, drive-thru restaurants, business units and 259 homes at the Harwich Valley site, on land between the A120 and Stour Close.

But the Harwich and District Indoor Bowls Club, in Stour Close, claims an email and a satellite picture were sent showing a temporary road being built alongside the club to give access to the housing estate.

The club feared the developer will just reapply to use Stour Close and Clayton Road as the only access, ignoring original plans for a roundabout off the A120.

But councillor Pam Morrison, who is responsible for the Dovercourt Tollgate Ward, said she obtained assurances from Tendring Council that traffic must at all times go via the A120.

She said: "I was very grateful for the support of TDC’s Planning Committee when I sought safeguards for existing residents and one of the most important conditions placed on the development was that all construction and subsequent access had to be via the A120.

“It would have been dreadful for residents if we had not gained the planning condition to ensure that all access/egress is via the A120.

“Having gained this condition on behalf of residents I expect it to be fully enforced.”

A spokesman for Persimmon Homes Essex has confirmed the company is working with Tendring Council to agree the best way to access the site to build the link road.

They added:“Persimmon Homes are absolutely committed to delivering enhanced infrastructure as part of our 259 home, sustainable development in Harwich.

“In line with the approved planning permission from Tendring District Council, we will build a new link road that shall ensure all car traffic from the new development will connect to the A120, not Stour Close.

"We’re also keen to hear from residents and community groups so that their views can help inform the plan we are developing with Tendring District Council.”