More than 100 jobs look set to be created as plans for a new small business park within Conservative-led Wealden are progressed.
Wealden District Council is pressing ahead with its plans for a 1.8 acre site in Farningham Road, Crowborough, and a planning application is expected to be submitted this week.
Last year councillors agreed to retain the land as opposed to selling it off and instead deliver units with a total floor space of around 12,500 square feet.
Both the council and Crowborough Chamber of Commerce believe the proposed business park could meet the demand for employment land, which is lacking in the Crowborough area, and attract new businesses.
At a meeting of the council’s decision making Cabinet Committee this week, councillors welcomed the progress of the project, which could see general industrial, storage and distribution, light industrial, office and potentially retail units.
It is anticipated that the development of the units could result in the creation of up to 100 jobs with dozens more being employed during the development period.
Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Commercial, Economic Development and Leisure, said, “I am pleased this project has progressed so well. We firmly believe our plans for the Farningham Road site will go some way in helping alleviate the shortage of smaller units in the Crowborough area.
“Not only will the project provide a valuable opportunity to contribute to the local economy and create employment opportunities, strategically the development will enable the council to retain a direct financial interest which could generate an annual income stream and full payback of the investment in the years to come.
“As we move forward to submitting a planning application, the council will be looking to deliver some of the most environmentally friendly business premises within Wealden and that is particularly good news.”
The current project programme indicates a construction start date in late 2023 and completion due by summer 2024
