West Suffolk Council’s £15m project in Rougham, near Bury St Edmunds recommended for approval by planners

A council's £15 million project to boost business has been recommended for approval by planners.

West Suffolk's development control councillors will discuss the authority's plans to build an Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) centre at Suffolk Business Park, in Rougham, near Bury St Edmunds, on Tuesday.

The project has been developed over a number of years by West Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council (SCC).

Progress on its delivery had stalled due to issues with funding and external pressures, but the project has now earned a recommendation for approval by planners.

It is being paid for through West Suffolk Council funding from locally retained business rates from the Enterprise Zone at Suffolk Business Park — SCC committed £250,000, while Suffolk Business Board agreed a capital grant of up to £2 million over 15 years.

It would be delivered in two phases, with the first subject to a full planning bid for the centre, a café and a conference facility with space for 65 people.

The second phase, subject to an outline bid, is for further AME units once demand emerges.

A planning statement on behalf of the council said the project would provide employment opportunities for those looking to kickstart or change their careers, while supporting larger companies.

It says: "This project is a key example of how West Suffolk Council can support and invest in our communities and our businesses, as it provides incubation space for new and developing companies that wouldn’t otherwise be provided."

Rougham Parish Council supported the plans, with no comments received from residents.

A list of 47 conditions has been prepared by planners across both full and outline elements of the bid.

The outline portion, if backed next week, would be subject to a further reserved matters application down the line.