A DEVELOPER has pledged to carry vital improvement works to roads around a new multi-million pound shopping complex, if it gets the green light.

The directors of Tollgate Partnership have been battling for permission to build shops, restaurants and a cinema on 20 acres of land in Stanway.

Plans were refused by Colchester Council’s planning committee in February and an appeal hearing is set to take place in January.

A final decision on the plans will be taken by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid.

Later this year the council will also decide on revised plans which were submitted in April.

Tollgate Partnership Limited has now outlined the “major investment” for roads in the town if the application is given the green light.

The package of improvements include widening some junctions around Tollgate, adding additional crossing points along Tollgate West and widening parts of Tollgate West and Tollgate Road.

Other measures would be aimed at alleviating pressure to the A12 roundabout to help eliminate queuing on the carriageway.

In a statement Jayne Gee and Daniel Watts, Directors of Tollgate Partnership Limited, said: “We have listened during our extensive consultations with local people and we have then taken expert advice to ensure we can make more positive changes to our fast-growing borough.

“This major investment in infrastructure would be in addition to the £16.9m, 1,000 jobs, and much-needed facilities Tollgate Village would bring to Colchester.

“We are aware that many people think the investment in infrastructure should happen before development takes place. We totally agree with this view and think it should be the case for all major developments, whether that is commercial or residential.”

Anyone wishing to know more about the appeal, can contact Daniel and Jayne at mail@tollgatepartnership.co.uk.

The statement added: “It is not too late for people to have their say on the Tollgate Village application via a link on TollgateVillage.co.uk and it is essential even those who have commented before register their thoughts again. Perhaps this time the councillors will listen to the overwhelming support for this project.”