A public inquiry into a planned country and retail park in Clacton has been branded "a total waste of taxpayers' money".

The inquiry into the proposed £30 million Brook Park scheme on the outskirts of the town could cost between £45,000-£50,000 and last for 12 days but Tendring Council believes it will be money well spent.

But councillor Pierre Oxley (Con, Southcliff) said: "I just think it's a total waste of tax payers' money. This whole project was agreed nine years ago and now they are trying to do a massive U-turn.

Those in favour of the scheme feel it will bring much-needed jobs and vitality to the area while opponents fear it will encroach on greenfield land and close the gap between Little Clacton and Clacton.

Some feel the scheme, which was originally backed by the council, should have already gone ahead.

A Tendring Council spokesman confirmed the possible cost of the inquiry.

He said: "We put a high price on protecting and enhancing the town centre and therefore it's money well spent.

"The cost of the inquiry is proportional to its complexity and length. The longer the inquiry the more expensive it is."

He added the inquiry, which begins on September 14 , would not be the council's most expensive and added several public inquiries took place every year.

In July councillors narrowly voted to oppose the plan, which would include retail outlets, a country park, park and ride scheme and leisure facility - but no food outlet.

Applications have been made for the project in 1991, 1993 and 1994. The scheme would create more than 200 jobs but goes against several planning policies.

In 1992 an inspector ruled Brook Park was premature and a survey was needed to assess the impact of the new Safeway store in Little Clacton before another complex was approved.

But developers are hoping their decision to drop the superstore part of the scheme will increase their chances of getting the go-ahead.

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