OUTLINE plans for a £75million retail, leisure and housing complex in Clacton have finally been rubber-stamped.

Tendring Council’s planning committee approved the Brook Park West scheme – on farmland opposite Brook Retail Park – in November.

The proposals include up to 200 homes, as well as a new Lidl supermarket, Pets at Home store, Marstons pub restaurant and hotel, drive-thru McDonald’s and Costa Coffee outlets and a Wickes DIY store.

The outline plans have now been signed off by planning officers after talks with developer Britton Construction over a legal agreement over contributions to health services, education, affordable housing and transfer of open space.

The developer will still need to return to the council to get the go ahead for further details of the homes and business units, such as design, layout and landscaping.

Kevin Britton, of Britton Developments, has said the scheme will “increase Clacton’s attractiveness as a retail and leisure destination”.

It is looking to develop agricultural land at Brook Park West on the A133 on the opposite side of the road from Brook Retail Park.

The development of the 16-hectare site could see the creation of 200 new jobs.

Marston’s have been lined-up to operate the 39-bed hotel, family pub and restaurant and the proposal also includes a drive-thru Costa Coffee café and drive-thru McDonalds restaurant.

A 2.5 hectare extension to the Pickers Ditch Walkway, including public space, new pedestrian and cycle paths and wildlife areas will also be provided.

Access to the site will be from a fourth link off the Brook Park West Roundabout. It is estimated the retail part of the scheme could start quickly with the homes starting in about two years.