Hutchison Ports UK has been given an extra 10 years to start work on a US$469 million container port in Essex, which was originally granted planning permission in 2006, reported the East Angilian Daily Times.
The Harwich Bathside Bay development, which is expected to create more than 700 new jobs, was put on hold because of the economic slowdown.
If it goes ahead, the Harwich project would see the quay length doubled to 2,500m and have 11 ship-to-shore cranes, making it about half the size of Felixstowe, which is the largest container port in the country.
The Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond approved an extended time period to 2021 within which to start construction of the terminal following a request by Hutchison Ports UK in February 2010.
Paul Davey, head of corporate affairs at Hutchison Ports, said: "We are pleased with this announcement. It means we will be able to go ahead with the development when the economy recovers. When the recession hit it meant that Bathside Bay was not going to be needed as quickly as we thought. However, the government's national policy indicates that the growth in the economy that was originally forecast will still occur - it just won't occur as quickly."
An application seeking variations to conditions relating to the phasing of highway works is still being considered by Hammond, who has asked for further representations on the issue from interested parties.
The news has been welcomed by the leader of Tendring District Council Neil Stock who says the decision will transform the local economy.
"This can only be described as fantastic news for our district and all of its residents. It has been a long wait but the ultimate prize will be well worth it and a huge boost for Tendring," he said.
The new terminal, which will be built next to Harwich International Port, will be able to handle up to four deep-sea container vessels at the same time.
Stock added: "On top of the direct jobs which will be created there will be thousands more in businesses connected to the port's activities and in new inward investment by firms wanting to be close to such a major port facility.
"It is the major catalyst for regeneration in Tendring and will certainly put the district on the international map in a very big way.
"We look forward to Hutchison Ports UK proceeding with the project and will be looking to support and assist them in the delivery."
But the scheme has prompted opposition from environmental groups, which have long campaigned against the development.
Adam Roxby, of Harwich Peninsula Friends of the Earth, said: "While I understand the need for economic development in the Harwich area this should not be at the expense of environmental stability and sustainability.
"The former Friends of the Earth group work very hard against the destruction of Bathside Bay and we will consult with our members to decide the best way to safeguard our local environment in the future."
The Harwich Bathside Bay development, which is expected to create more than 700 new jobs, was put on hold because of the economic slowdown.
If it goes ahead, the Harwich project would see the quay length doubled to 2,500m and have 11 ship-to-shore cranes, making it about half the size of Felixstowe, which is the largest container port in the country.
The Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond approved an extended time period to 2021 within which to start construction of the terminal following a request by Hutchison Ports UK in February 2010.
Paul Davey, head of corporate affairs at Hutchison Ports, said: "We are pleased with this announcement. It means we will be able to go ahead with the development when the economy recovers. When the recession hit it meant that Bathside Bay was not going to be needed as quickly as we thought. However, the government's national policy indicates that the growth in the economy that was originally forecast will still occur - it just won't occur as quickly."
An application seeking variations to conditions relating to the phasing of highway works is still being considered by Hammond, who has asked for further representations on the issue from interested parties.
The news has been welcomed by the leader of Tendring District Council Neil Stock who says the decision will transform the local economy.
"This can only be described as fantastic news for our district and all of its residents. It has been a long wait but the ultimate prize will be well worth it and a huge boost for Tendring," he said.
The new terminal, which will be built next to Harwich International Port, will be able to handle up to four deep-sea container vessels at the same time.
Stock added: "On top of the direct jobs which will be created there will be thousands more in businesses connected to the port's activities and in new inward investment by firms wanting to be close to such a major port facility.
"It is the major catalyst for regeneration in Tendring and will certainly put the district on the international map in a very big way.
"We look forward to Hutchison Ports UK proceeding with the project and will be looking to support and assist them in the delivery."
But the scheme has prompted opposition from environmental groups, which have long campaigned against the development.
Adam Roxby, of Harwich Peninsula Friends of the Earth, said: "While I understand the need for economic development in the Harwich area this should not be at the expense of environmental stability and sustainability.
"The former Friends of the Earth group work very hard against the destruction of Bathside Bay and we will consult with our members to decide the best way to safeguard our local environment in the future."