POLITICIANS are at loggerheads over a controversial scheme for a £90 million out-of-town retail centre.

Colchester High Steward and former MP Sir Bob Russell is opposed to the Tollgate Village development.

However, Witham MP Priti Patel, whose constituency includes the Stanway area, says it would bring economic benefits which should not be ignored.

In his submission to the public inquiry, Sir Bob warned council services may suffer should the Tollgate shopping development be approved.

He recalled his involvement, as a former councillor, in the planning for the Lion Walk and Culver Square shopping precincts.

He told the planning inquiry: “Colchester’s taxpayers, the residents of the borough who pay council tax, have a significant financial interest in the success of the two shopping precincts and the revenue from car parks other than NCPs.

“Each year Colchester Council receives income from these developments which help fund the borough’s services, facilities and amenities.

“Anything that may affect this revenue will be detrimental to the people of Colchester.”

Sir Bob said the council did not specifically oppose out-of-town retail development as it has given “careful consideration” to some schemes but he said the Tollgate plans would harm the town centre.

He also wanted the borough’s planning policies upheld.

He said: “What we have before this inquiry is of such magnitude it would destroy the carefully arrived at policies, significantly for the town centre.

“It has been the policy of successive governments that town centres head the hierarchy when it comes to retail development.

“Colchester Council has land at Osborne Street for future retail expansion. So there is no need to release additional land at Stanway for more retail development there.”

However, in her submission to the appeal hearing, Ms Patel called for “the innovative and job creating plans” to be granted permission.

In her written submission to the inspector, the Secretary of State for International Development, said there was public support for the plans and the need for the site to cater for growing demands.

She added: “Tollgate Village presents us with a once in a generation opportunity to regenerate derelict land and create hundreds of new jobs.

“The borough and surrounding areas will experience significant increases in population in the years ahead and Tollgate Village will give our community a high quality new retail and leisure offer.

“The sooner this development is granted planning permission, the sooner we can start seeing new jobs being created and growth in our area.”