THE development of a major new business park worth £150million looks set to be approved.

The Saxon Business Park off Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford, has been recommended for approval by Rochford District Council.

The development will create 4,815 new jobs for residents.

In a recent report, planning officers at the council proposed the development be granted planning permission, but councillors will have the final say.

The officer’s report reads: “The development would amount to sustainable development which would accord with the development plan offering employment growth alongside sustainability benefits including contribution towards the delivery of a new bus service and footpath enhancements.

“The layout, appearance, scale and landscaping are matters for detailed consideration and determination at a later date, but the submitted design code indicates how well designed buildings and spaces could be achieved meeting a high standard of design and layout.”

Ivor Finer, head of marketing at Cherry Orchard Homes and Villages which is developing the site, said the recommendation is an “exciting” moment for the group.

He said: “It is very exciting for us but like anything, we now have to find the tenants to move into the units.

“It has taken a long time for the application to get to this point.

“We have been involved in the plot for around 15 years.”

No construction dates have been set for the development and no details of any companies interested in moving in have been revealed.

However, Cherry Orchard Homes is expecting to begin work on a new nursery in August which has already been approved by the council.

Mr Finer added: “We have already had interest from three different providers and we are aiming to have it ready in time for the September intake in 2019.”

The business park will be a part a major new park for the area.

The full plot including the Southend Airport Business Park is more than 60 acres.

The development will result in the relocation of Westcliff Rugby Club from its current base in Aviation Way, Southend.

Resident, Brian Brazier of Albert Road, Ashingdon, welcomed the plans.

He said: “I feel that nowadays we see so many empty commercial units.

“This plan is, however, ideal and a good use of the land.”

The application’s approval comes with a requirement to donate £200,000 to Essex County Council towards bus service and infrastructure enhancements to provide improved sustainable transport to the site and another £3,000 towards travel plans.

The planning officer’s report added that a further £18,500 financial contribution should be made to Rochford District Council which will cover a range of projects.

The contribution will be paid towards the creation of foot and cycle path works inside the development.

The application will be decided by the council’s planning committee on Thursday June 28.

Cherry Orchard Homes and Villages is also planning on bringing a development for the over 55s to Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford.

This will see luxury apartments, bungalows, bistros, ATMs, cycle routes and golf buggies in a specially developed retirement estate.