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

Plans have been submitted to 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 could provide a welcome boost to employment within the town if approved.

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.

The company, which offers services across the construction industry sectors, is looking to expand and has set its sights on Bluebridge.

Paul Lewis, managing director, said: “The site will be split into three units, and we will definitely be occupying one of them.

“Initially the idea was that we build all three, occupy one and potentially rent the others out.

“But it may be a case that we occupy two, or all three, it will be a case of judging how much space we need.

“At the moment we just don’t have space so we need that extra space, it is actually having a negative impact on business at the moment.

“I think if we occupied one site, we would probably have 20 to 30 staff in there, so you could be looking at between 80 and 100 jobs there.

“It is very exciting, if we get planning permission on June 1, I’d be looking to start work on June 2.”

At Monday night’s full Halstead Town Council meeting, the council offered its support to the plans, highlighting Bluebridge as an area that employs a number of people from within the town.

No objections were raised, and Mayor Shirley Diver said: “Bluebridge Industrial Estate is an area for employment which provides work for the people of Halstead.”

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.