PLANNING permission has been granted for the next stage of Daresbury Park, the £220m office development which could create up to 12,000 jobs over a 15 year period.

The next phase consists of two office units, with construction due to start soon, and completion set for next summer.The third speculative building on the site has just been completed. A "major employer" is poised to move into it, according to Andy Lavin, director of Daresbury Park Developments. He said he could not name the company but it would bring jobs into the area and had sought a grant. A far reaching new masterplan has recently been unveiled for the 1.6m square foot development by the Daresbury Park Development team in conjunction with architects Aukett Europe. It was felt that the concept of Daresbury Park had evolved over a number of years and a revised masterplan was needed. Work first started on infrastructure five years ago, and the first building, two years ago.

Now, more work will start soon on a further, £1.5m infrastructure project, and it is estimated that the whole development will be completed in eight years' time.

Some companies are already headquartered at the Park, including ABB Eutech Engineering Solutions, Vistorm and the DeVere Group which has refurbished the Daresbury Park Hotel at a cost of £10.5m.

Andy Lavin, director of Daresbury Park Developments, said of the latest planning permission "This is more great news for the Park. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to developing Daresbury Park into one of the most successful business parks in the north of England."

The development will feature flexible plot sizes, high quality landscaping, the creation of a landmark open space feature and a new bus service linking the site with Warrington and Runcorn.