Plans for a new business park in Chapel-en-le-Frith which would create over 500 jobs and offer local businesses the space to expand have moved a step closer.

A masterplan was developed for the site at Town End after the land was set aside for employment use in the Chapel-en-le-Frith Neighbourhood Plan - and the first phase of work is now complete.

Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council is working with High Peak Borough Council to bring forward development at the Town End site to safeguard jobs, encourage new businesses and allow established companies to grow and to invest in the borough.

The 6.5 ha site can accommodate over 16,000sqm of employment floor space for over 500 new jobs.

Councillor Tony Kemp, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration at the Borough Council, said: “The work that has been undertaken so far has been valuable in confirming the market demand – many local businesses have confirmed that they need new buildings and the space to expand and grow and so we now have a blueprint for development with which stakeholders are generally happy.

“The work to date has demonstrated that a new business park is a realistic possibility and the landowners have indicated a willingness to work together with each other and with the two councils to make it happen. I would stress that, while both High Peak Borough Council and Chapel Parish Council own small but critical elements, most of the land concerned is in private ownership and our input is by way of facilitating and encouraging a collaborative development by the private sector.

“I am grateful for the commitment that has been shown thus far and look forward to helping the landowners bring forward this vital investment so that our businesses can forge ahead and create new jobs.”

Councillor Mike Evanson, Chair of the Regeneration Committee at Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council, added: “We have already earmarked this land for employment use through the Neighbourhood Plan and the work that has been done to date validates that use which is extremely encouraging.

“We will now be continuing the positive discussions we’ve had with the local landowners to build on these strong foundations as we progress with delivering a business park that offers so many benefits to local people and businesses, to the town of Chapel-en-le-Frith and to the wider borough.”