A PROPOSED office park that could create more than 500 jobs has been welcomed by community leaders.

Gladman Developments has applied for planning permission for 11 office blocks at Colburn Business Park, in Colburn, North Yorkshire.

No companies have taken leases on the offices yet, but community leaders say the £6.2m scheme could have significant benefits for the community.

Colburn Mayor Tom Henry said: "I'm overjoyed that the business park is finally up and running.

"This is the way forward for Colburn.

"We need to get these units built and hopefully businesses will start moving in."

Kevin Waters, from Gladman Developments, said: "We have found, in general, that the jobs attracted to our office developments tend to be better paid than unskilled and semi-skilled manufacturing jobs.

"They are also more likely to offer training programmes and provide a ladder for career progression.

"Better-paid jobs have a positive spin-off in the local economy, boosting spending on retail and leisure."

Several residents near the business park say the units should be built farther away from the main road and nearby housing.

The development will be discussed by Richmondshire District Council today.

Developers say that, if planning permission is granted, the first units could be completed in less than a year.