A £1.5million investment in industrial units could bring 40 jobs to Newmarket, as Forest Heath District Council continues its commercial focus.

The council has submitted plans to invest the money and build 10 new units at Sam Alper Court, in response to high demand.

The site already has six council-owned business units.

Stephen Edwards, cabinet member for resources, governance and performance, said: “Economic growth is one of our three priorities within west Suffolk. We are looking to invest in success and develop new opportunities for jobs creation in Newmarket.

“We know from experience that our current units are rarely vacated and when they are, that they are soon filled.

“The demand is clearly there for this type of small-scale industry in Newmarket. Once built, these units will help employment growth within Forest Heath.

“This is part of our ongoing commercial strategy to invest both in existing and new business properties.

“That in turn will deliver a return through the properties being leased to tenants, which will help us deliver on our commitment to keep council tax low while ensuring the delivery of our key services.”

The plans also allow for the installation of roof-mounted solar panels on the buildings themselves and will go before the council’s development control committee on April 29.

Should the application be approved, it is hoped that construction will start in the late summer with the first of the units becoming available to let from early next year.