INITIAL plans for a huge leisure, housing and business complex have been backed by town councillors, as long as guarantees are made about jobs.

Harding Estates submitted drawings, graphics and detailed reports to Tendring Council last week for the Harwich Valley development on land between the A120 and Stour Close in Dovercourt.

The £45million project would see 297 homes built, along with a sixscreen cinema, supermarket with petrol station, 63-bed hotel, pub, shops, restaurants, drive-thrus and business units.

Harwich Town Council has supported the proposals, but expects the industrial units and jobs to be provided in the first phase.

Councillor Ivan Henderson said: “In some ways I wish they would get on with it, because it could be two years before they get going.

“They will have to spend money on infrastructure both here and at Horsley Cross, there will have to be public consultations and possibly inquiries before they start.

"My concern is that they would do everything apart from the industrial units, and the land was initially earmarked for business in the original local plan.”