BLANDFORD’S economy could receive a boost after permission was granted to build nearly 30 light industrial units on the eastern edge of the town.

District councillors have given the green light to proposals for 29 units in six new buildings on land adjacent to Shaftesbury Lane.

Ward councillor Steve Hitchings said the demands of district planners over the design and use of the units had struck a balance between the town’s economic needs and those of residents living nearby.

“I think we’ve achieved a very good development. The development of a light industrial area has always been in the local plan. This is certainly good news for jobs,” said Cllr Hitchings.

Two-thirds of the larger units must be used as offices, for research and development, or for light industry, and not merely as storage.

Retail use was ruled out by councillors to protect town centre businesses, and opening hours were stipulated in the interests of people living nearby.

Each of the units must close for business at 6pm on a weekday and 3pm on Saturday. None can open on Sunday or a bank holiday.

An acoustic fence will be built before work begins on the main construction after Cllr Jackie Stayt voiced concerns of residents raised by the town council’s planning committee.

“One of the things I was fighting for and the town council was fighting for was an acoustic barrier to be built as soon as possible prior to construction of the units,” said Cllr Hitchings.

Daniel Rubin, the managing director of development firm Glenmore Commercial Estates, said work could begin next spring.

“We hope to use local contractors to build the units and to start building in the first quarter of next year.

“We will be building 12 units in the first phase and hope to attract local occupiers.

“We believe there’s been a strong demand for light industrial units in the area for some time,” said Mr Rubin.