PLANS to develop a site close to an airfield for the storage of concrete have been given the green light.

The layout and external surface for the site next to Earls Colne Airfield have been specifically designed to accommodate the needs of Milbank Concrete Products Ltd, which produces large concrete structures and foundations for the construction industry.

The site is located between other separate business plots which are currently under construction and would add to 40 current businesses already operating on the business park and employing about, 1,500 people.

Braintree Council said the development would not adversely impact the area.

Councillor Gabriella Spray said: “It has been worth waiting for in order for it to get to committee with officer approval.

“It is a business park – this is the sort of application you would expect.

"It is storage, so impact on the landscape is minimal and actually, there is very good hedge and tree cover already in place around the site.

“The business park appears to be operating well and does seem to be contributing to the economy, and the villages around it appreciate it and it does provide employment and here is a client waiting, which really needs this storage area.

"It certainly, from a business perspective, is a good thing.”