Plans for one of Europe’s largest flooring distributors to develop disused land in Ipswich has been given the go-ahead – with the firm confirming 80 new jobs.
Headlam group is currently based in Hadleigh but has outgrown its current premises.
However, when disused land off Harris Way became available a fresh application was lodged.
Ipswich Borough Council’s planning committee delegated the decision to the head of planning to approve once details over paths and a bridge were ironed out, with planners giving the green light last week.
Steve Wilson, chief executive of Headlam, said: “We have long planned to upgrade our distribution centre in this part of the country and am pleased that, subject to resolving a few outstanding matters, it is finally coming to fruition.
“We look forward to having a positive impact in the area, including through time, adding additional employment.”
It is not yet clear when work may begin or when the new distribution centre will be open.
A spokeswoman from the firm said: “It is a well established company having been in operation for 25 years. It operates across the UK and western Europe including France Netherlands and Switzerland. It has a total of 63 businesses and employs nearly 2,500 people.
“Headlam now wish to improve their distribution operation in South Suffolk and need new premises to replace their cramped facility in Hadleigh.”
The spokeswoman added that 80 jobs will be created for Ipswich as a result of the scheme.
The land off Harris Way was formerly run by a bacon factory and abattoir, and in recent years has only partly been used for car storage.
The news means that development behind Anglia Retail Park by the firm will no longer be needed, although it is believed that land is still designated for employment use under local plans.
During last month’s planning committee, councillor Colin Kreidewolf said it represented a “word of support in economic development” in the town and “significant increase in employment use”.
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