A DEVELOPER is today celebrating after major plans for a controversial business complex were given approval, ahead of a public inquiry.

Gary Rowe, director of Express Transport Systems, has faced three committee deliberations in the space of nearly 18 months after the fresh decision was made last night by Tendring Council's Development Control Committee.

He wants to build an 80-bedroom hotel and business complex on land south of the A120 and west of the B1035, at Horsley Cross.

Although the committee first considered the plan in December 2006 and approved it in February last year, a fresh decision was needed because new factors came to light.

The council adopted a local plan in December, in which the site was not included for industrial use.

However, a fire at a business park that housed three of the companies involved in the application means there is an increasing need for the site.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Rowe said it could create at least 320 jobs.

He said the land was available, there were investors and he needed the backing of councillors.

"The council cannot be the missing link of these requirements," he said.

Councillor Giles Watling (Frinton, Cons), opposed the application.

He said: "In this district we are desperate for regeneration but why there? It seems to be logical to put employment in places like Harwich and Dovercourt."

"I worry about what it is going to look like as you come up the A120, I have major concerns about it taking over the countryside," he added.

Steven Henderson (Harwich West Central, Comm Reps), said: "If this council is really serious about creating and retaining jobs they have got to look at this application or say we are not a council for employment- for the greater good of the district.

"The applicants have worked so hard and so far, it would be a tragedy if we didn't support them."

A majority of nine councillors voted in favour. Six opposed the application.

After the meeting, Mr Rowe said: "I am delighted. It is so important for investors, businesses and families. We need to regenerate for the future and this will be the start of that."

Officers had recommended the site was approved.

The public inquiry begins on July 22. It was called in by the secretary of state last March.

1:44pm Friday 9th May 2008

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