A HIGH tech jobs bonanza came a step nearer this week with a detailed scheme being submitted for a business park and hotel on part of the old Andover airfield.

"We are pleased to see the application go in and hope it has a successful outcome," said Don Whiteley, head of estates and economic development for Test Valley Borough Council.

"We hope it will bring a whole range of new jobs to the Andover area," he added.

The land has been allocated for commercial development for some time but plans to develop it have been on hold for 10 years.

David Smith, a director of Dreweatt Neate acting for the private landowner, said there was a big demand from newcomers to the area and from existing businesses wishing to relocate to new office and industrial units.

There had also been increasing interest from companies wanting to go ahead with the development once planning permission had been obtained.

The planning application is for 20 hectares to provide a total of 69,000 square metres of office space, industrial use and a hotel.

The application only relates to the area of land currently allocated under the local plan but also shown is a possible further phase which would provide an additional 48,000 square metres of space to be developed in a similar scheme.

Part of the site originally included in the local plan has been retained by the MoD for its own use.

"At long last it appears Andover will be in a position to meet the high level of demand which we have received from office and industrial occupiers, both from within Andover and from outside who wish to locate to Andover," said Mr Smith, from Dreweatt Neate's architectural and town planning department.

"Up until now there has not been a suitable site available but a business park on the former Andover airfield will help to satisfy demand. It's a very exciting project for all of us involved in the growth and prosperity of Andover and I know we have the strong support of Test Valley council which is very keen to see this site developed as soon as possible."