HUGE plans to create a new retail park with drive-thru restaurants and shops in Witham has divided opinion among residents.

Churchmanor Estates Company has submitted plans for a new development of land at the corner of Gershwin Boulevard and Hatfield Road B1389, known as Plot 18 of the wider Gershwin Park mixed-use development.

The plans include a new McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant, a drive-thru Costa, as well as three new retail units, an electric vehicle charging station and car parking.

The site is currently an open corner plot within the wider Gershwin Park development masterplan.

The park is located next to junction 21 of the A12 and is already home to new homes, an Aldi, Marston’s pub, day nursery, offices and commercial units.

Braintree and Witham Times: A drawing of the proposed retail parkA drawing of the proposed retail park (Image: bcr-infinityarchitects/Churchmanor Estates)

Planners say the scheme will deliver "economic and social benefits" to the community.

However, the plans have received mixed reactions from the community, with some supporting and others opposing the proposal.

One resident in favour said: “The restaurants in question will boost the town and the major factor in this development is the electric charging station.

“These will be a must in years to come so we need to be ahead of the curve not behind.”

Another supporter added: “We need investment in Witham and if two large corporations are prepared to open here then let’s welcome them.

“The litter issue which is raised every time will only be solved when the "user" realises they are responsible for their mess.

“I have no doubt every option to reduce littering will be explored.”

Braintree and Witham Times: The Gershwin Park where the plans would be turned to realityThe Gershwin Park where the plans would be turned to reality (Image: Google)

However, many have also objected to the proposals, particularly due to traffic concerns.

One said: “The roundabout around which this will be built is already flooded with traffic at peak commuting times that leads all down Hatfield Road.

“The town is already becoming increasingly overwhelmed with traffic due to continuous building works.”

Another added: “This will create the same chaos that exists at the Fowlers Farm roundabout, Braintree which is blocked at peak times by cars queuing to get into McDonalds and other drive through establishments.

“If Gershwin Boulevard is blocked, the only alternative is for traffic to go into the town.”

The final decision on the plans will come from Braintree Council.