COUNCILLORS have signed off blueprints for the first buildings to spring up at Link Park in Chickerell, Weymouth.

DJ Property secured outline planning consent for the scheme, built next to the Granby Industrial Estate, in 2008.

Members of West Dorset District Council granted detailed planning permission for the first phase of business units at a committee meeting.

Ian Doyle, economic regeneration manager at West Dorset District Council, said: “I am delighted to see this development move forward, sites like this are of such importance to this area.”

The development enables DJ Property chief executive Mickey Jonesto take the next step in a long-term family project after his late father David Jones drew up plans to develop the site 20 years ago.

He said: “I’ve been working on this scheme for the last five years so it is thrilling for me that detailed planning permission has been granted for Link Park’s first buildings.

“We have already installed the infrastructure and widened the Chickerell Link Road.

“The first buildings are expected to be finished by September.

“Attracting employers of national significance, achieving local economic growth and most importantly opening the door to new employment opportunities are exactly what our Economic Regeneration Business Unit is all about.”

“It is time to turn the tide in South Dorset and developments like this can be part of a brighter future for this area.”

The first buildings will be six business units, each measuring around 4,100 square feet.

Link Park will have a comprehensive landscaping scheme to ensure it sits comfortably within the local community and provides a high level of amenity to the businesses it will host.

Mr Jones said: “Link Park will generate hundreds of jobs for Weymouth and South Dorset.

“Many national operators are keen to gain a foothold in South Dorset and I’ve been in talks with big names from the building materials, automotive, and service industries.