A SHOPPING centre boss has spoken of his delight after £50million plans for a huge new Tesco in Southend were finally approved by councillors.

Bill Harkness, managing director of Delamere Estates, which owns the Victoria, has been a vocal supporter of the new Tesco, in Short Street, Southend.

The store, which is set to create 450 jobs, will be linked to the Victoria by a public walkway, helping to increase the number of people walking through the centre.

The Victoria has suffered in recent years with dwindling numbers of stores, despite massive investment by Mr Harkness and his company.

Mr Harkness, who spent £30million revamping the centre, said the new store, on the former B&Q site, would boost trade in the town.

He added: “I think it shows great courage and vision from the people who sat on that committee.

“I think it is great for the town and I think it will pay off at the end of the day.

“I can only congratulate the council for giving it the go-ahead.

“To get an investment like that is just fantastic.”

Southend Council’s development control committee approved the plans earlier this week, after a decision was put off last month.

Councillors were initially concerned about congestion around the new store, prompting Tesco to come up with fresh plans to control traffic.

These incude a “gating strategy” to hold cars inside the car park for longer during peak times, to allow the traffic to flow better in Short Street.

Electronic signs will be installed, warning motorists when the Tesco car park is full.

Tesco will also increase a parking charge for all vehicles using the store, but the store’s customers will be able to redeem the cost of parking.

In his report to councillors, Andy Lewis, the council’s corporate director for the environment, said: “There is no objection to the principle of retail development of the size proposed in this location, provided good linkages with the town centre are maintained.

“The provision of a replacement youth club is acceptable and the proposed upgraded development is welcomed.

“The scale of the store development is considered to be acceptable.

“The applicants have now demonstrated a store of the size proposed can be accommodated, without giving rise to unacceptable levels of congestion within the surrounding area.”