BUILDING work on a south Herefordshire enterprise park creating up to 1,000 jobs is set to start this year after planning approval was granted.

Model Farm Enterprise Park in the Hildersley area of Ross-on-Wye is set to provide up to 300,000 square feet of new commercial floorspace in a 15 hectare site.

Councillor David Harlow, cabinet member for economy and communications, said: “The business park is excellent news for Ross-on-Wye and the wider economy of the county. "The development will enable local businesses to expand into new premises, and the good road links will also attract businesses from outside the county, bringing high value jobs to Herefordshire.”

Herefordshire Council’s planning and regulatory committee approved the hybrid planning application which included full plans for the access, drainage, landscaping and internal roads.

Outline consent is also provided for a number of indicative plot areas that will be suitable for general and light industrial units and offices, with some limited scope for storage and distribution uses.

The planning approval follows the council’s allocation of £7m funding in the capital programme, agreed by its full council last month.

Over 500 new homes will also be developed over the next few years at sites near to Model Farm

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for contracts and assets, added: “The planning approval quickly following the funding announcement allows the council to make plans to rapidly implement the scheme, making land available for businesses within the next year.

"We are contacting local and regional businesses about the opportunity to locate at Model Farm and we are pleased to hear that there is a high demand for industrial land in the area.”

For further information about the business opportunities at Model Farm, call 01432 261758 or email business@herefordshire.gov.uk.