Beccles is poised for an employment boost, with plans for a new business park on the outskirts of town recommended for approval.

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 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.

Company architect Andrew Wilson has previously told the EDP 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. A planning report states that the site is allocated for industrial development and adds: 'The application is to establish the principle of the use and for the construction of a site access road to enable individual plots to be developed.

'Development of this site is an important component of the Local Development Framework, so the application is to be welcomed.'

The district council's economic regeneration unit says the development should benefit the economy. The plans are 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.

The plans will be discussed at a district council development control committee meeting next Monday .

emily.dennis@archant.co.uk