A RETAIL park and housing development on the outskirts of Harwich could create 1,600 jobs.

Plans for Harwich Valley include 250 homes, a supermarket, leisure facilities and office and business units.

Hadrings Estates wants to develop farmland at Pond Hall Farm between the A120 and Ramsey Road in Dovercourt.

The London-based firm is preparing to submit a planning application to Tendring Council in January and work could start in early 2015.

Dave McLeod, Harwich mayor, said the project will boost the local economy with investment of more than £40 million.

He said: “It shows we still have interest in the area. It has got to be welcomed.

“There are not any details yet but there are plans in the pipeline, but it is good news for the town.

“This is an exciting time for Harwich.”

Concerns have been raised about the homes.

Tony Gatt, of Stour Close, close to the proposed site, said: “There will be opposition from our area but I would have to look at the plans.

“I would rather have a view of nice open spaces than lots of houses.

“I have always half expected that something would happen there but I certainly do not think it will go down too well.”

The public will have the chance to quiz developers and submit comments at two exhibitions.

They will be held at the Waterfront in Lower Marine Parade on Tuesday, December 10 from noon to 7pm and Wednesday, December 11 from 9am to 5pm.