A PLAN to generate thousands of jobs across two new business parks near Southend Airport are set to become a reality.

The proposals - known formally as the London Southend Airport and Environs Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP) - have been approved by Southend and Rochford councillors.

The plans are expected to create 7,000 jobs being over 10-15 years through the construction of more than 100,000 sqm of new employment space.

Last month, Southend Council announced it had selected Henry Boot Developments as its preferred development partner. The council is now working with Henry Boot to refine a masterplan for the area, with the intention of submitting an outline planning application to Rochford District Council, as the planning authority, in the spring.

Subject to the necessary approvals, construction work could start in 2016.

Key features of the proposals include a site for the Anglia Ruskin Medtech campus which will deliver space and support for businesses in the medical technologies sector and an innovation centre providing flexible commercial accommodation for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Further employment areas would be created with transport improvement schemes are also a feature of the plan along with sporting facilities.

Ron Woodley, leader of Southend Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Southend and Rochford which could see upward of £100m of private sector investment in the area over the next ten to 15 years."

Keith Hudson, deputy leader of Rochford District Council and joint Chairman of the JAAP committee, added: “This process has taken seven years to complete and involved a great deal of hard work from both Rochford District Council and Southend Council, but this is where the real work starts.

“Now we need to press ahead with implementation, as this means 7,000 jobs for our residents - 7,000 jobs that will put bread on the tables of our families."