Hundreds of jobs could be created in Rochford by the development of a new industrial estate, it was revealed today.

A 28-acre area of open space off Western Approaches could soon be the site of two or three large or several smaller businesses.

Essex County Council, which owns the area, has asked Rochford Council for outline planning permission to develop the site, which is earmarked for job creation opportunities in the local plan.

Steve Heading, Rochford's head of planning services, said: "It is proposed that 20 acres of the site be used for industrial purposes, while the eight acres that form the frontage of the site is to be used for car showrooms and associated development.

"The site will need substantial development including roads and sewers, and high quality buildings in landscaped settings.

"When complete it should provide a high number of sustainable jobs. The site is large enough to provide a base for two or three larger firms or several smaller ones."

He added that the council was consulting widely with various interested bodies. Around 40 households surrounding the site have been sent letters detailing the scheme. They have until January 21 to comment.

Planning officers are hoping to produce an interim report which will be presented to councillors in mid-February, and they hope to have all the details by around Easter.

Mr Heading said: "Obviously we want to deal with the development as quickly as possible, but there are various rules and regulations we must observe so it will take a few months before we will be in a position to put the full plan before councillors."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.