HUGE plans for a new business park at Bournemouth Airport will progress even further in the new year.

After permission was granted to expand the business park, potentially creating 2,600 jobs and bringing a £100 million benefit to the economy, airport bosses have laid out the next steps.

The outline proposal for 25 hectares of new industrial land with road improvements will see at least 60 per cent of the development used for storage or distribution, with the rest for business and general use.

Read more: Bournemouth Airport business park plans approved after three years

A spokesman for Aviation Business Park said: “This outline consent paves the way for thousands of jobs and related infrastructure and we’re delighted that BCP Council has given it the green light.

"We will be having further detailed discussions with the council in the New Year as we move towards reserved matters and we look forward to delivering a quality scheme that give businesses the confidence to invest in Bournemouth, attracting inward investment and jobs to the area.”

During the BCP meeting last week, the airport's planning consultant Rob Barnes told members: "On a regular basis we are losing potential employers and fighting to keep existing ones because this scheme is being delayed.

"ReidSteel have already lost patience and walked away. The only reason it is still delayed is because of views around cycle links."

Originally, part of the application was for an employment unit for Christchurch business REIDsteel, who earlier this year announced plans to expand into the vacant Peeks Party Store site.

Following the planning meeting, Simon Boyd, REIDsteel managing director, said: “It was impossible for the Rigby Group/Bournemouth Airport to deliver the site for us in the time-frame agreed.

“We had no alternative but to consider other options. Another site became available which we proceeded with. We have lodged a planning application with BCP Council for this site and are awaiting a decision.

“These plans are for the redevelopment of our site in Reid Street, Christchurch, and an adjacent site formerly occupied by Peeks Party Store and Monkey Madness soft play centre.

“We submitted the plans following consultation with the community and other stakeholders, and look forward to hearing the council’s decision in due course.”