UP to 100 jobs could be created in a welcome boost to employment in Halstead.

Plans have been approved by Braintree Council to build three new units on Bluebridge Industrial Estate.

The industrial estate is one of the town’s largest employers, being home to 20 companies.

Following the announcement that major employee RPC Group will close its site on the industrial estate this summer, the plans will provide a welcome boost to employment within the town.

PL Civils (Eastern) Groundwork & Civil Engineering, based in Colchester, will build all three units, and is set to occupy at least one of the sites while renting the other two.

The company, which offers services across the construction industry sectors, has been looking to expand due to space constraints in its current sites, and set its sights on Halstead as the perfect place for growth.

Paul Lewis, managing director, said: “It’s fantastic news and I am very pleased.

“Obviously we have to deal with the planning conditions now but then we will be looking to crack on as soon as possible.

“We have a lot of constraints where we are now, so this really does open the world up to us.

“It has been difficult to make plans while waiting for permission, so now we can lay some proper plans and foundations for the move.

“We have been looking to expand for a while, as our site here cannot really cater to our needs, so this will allow us to expand as we see fit.

“Bluebridge Industrial Estate is a fantastic location, it will allow us to travel back to Colchester for work, open up access to London easier, as well as offering an easy escape from Essex to head further up the country.”

No objections were raised, and Halstead Town Council threw its support to the application, stating Bluebridge Industrial Estate is a key employer within the town.

The proposal outlines plans to design new commercial units, including four B1 office units, and four B8 warehouse facilities, with 24 staff and visitor parking spaces.

The site falls within the Town Development Boundary, and is allocated for employment land as part of Braintree Council’s draft Local Plan.

In accordance with council policy, £6125.29 will be contributed to open space, sport and recreation within the community.