A NEW business park on the outskirts of Beccles is poised to go ahead once several planning-related issues have been resolved.

The new Hornbill Business Park in Ellough looks set to boost the local economy and provide much-needed jobs if it is given the green light.

Peter Colby Commercials Ltd Property Division is seeking permission from Waveney District Council for a change of use of the site to employment uses. The plans were discussed at a meeting of the council development control committee on Monday.

The 24-acre plot is on the disused Ellough airfield site and adjacent to Ellough Industrial Estate. The application also includes the construction of an access road to serve the first phase of the development.

The plans were recommended for approval, subject to conditions, and a legal agreement to secure a contribution towards the Beccles Southern Relief Road and a cycle link between the application site and Cookes Corner.

But a council spokesman said the application had yet to be rubber-stamped.

She said the council's planning department was waiting to hear from Suffolk County Council highways regarding general highways issues and potential contributions to the Beccles Southern Relief Road and an improved cycle link to Beccles, as required by the site specific allocations document that allocates the land for industrial use.

Consequently, permission could not be granted on Monday. However, the committee did authorise officers to issue permission subject to the county council's comments and completion of a Section 106 obligation covering the contributions.

A number of conditions are likely to be attached to the application.

Company architect Andrew Wilson previously told the Journal that the firm hoped to get planning consent for the whole site, and then develop the first phase of 10 acres as soon as possible.

Plans for the first phase include 14 small units for start-up businesses.

Mr Wilson said the site was in a good location and well placed for capitalising on the growing offshore industry.