Jobs could be created with the expansion of a Dorchester business park – with permission for 21 new business units.

Dorset Council has given the green light for the development at the Duchy of Cornwall's Parkway Farm business site between Middle Farm Way and the town's bypass.

The proposals will create new jobs in the town – although the numbers will depend on who takes the units on.

Dorchester Town Council had welcomed the proposals although said it had concerns whether the proposed parking levels of 68 car spaces and 20 for cycles was the right amount.

Dorset Ramblers expressed their concerns because of the diversion of nearby footpath which would force walkers to use a path through the industrial estate which it said would be 'unpleasant.'

The business park application came from Jade-Aden Services Ltd, based at the Holton Heath Trading Park at Poole and is similar to a proposal submitted in 2019 by another company which was granted permission, but did not start building work.

The new units are to be in a similar style to those already there – red brick with black timber cladding, and will vary in size from 93 square metres to 166 square metres, arranged in terraces. Each could add a mezzanine floor, if required at a later stage.

Documents with the application to Dorset Council say the design follows the Duchy's criteria for the third phase of the area with the buildings mainly placed around the perimeter of the plot with all but one of the units terraced. Each will have disabled access.

According to the Duchy of Cornwall website work began at Poundbury in October 1993 and by the time it is completed, in 2025/26, it will house 5,000 people and provide more than 2,000 jobs.

At the time of the 20th anniversary the royal development had 140 businesses employing 1,650 people.