Thousands of new jobs could be created in Suffolk over the next three years after the county was awarded the status of a new enterprise zone.

Six sites in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, which make up the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, may attract 80 businesses by 2015 and many more over the next 25 years, after the scheme was green-lit by the government.

Simplified planning rules and a business rate discount for new and expanding businesses could generate tens of millions of pounds and create more than 10,000 additional jobs for Suffolk and Norfolk.

The New Anglia Enterprise Zone is one of 11 given the green light by the today, and the submission was ranked as one of the five best out of a total of 29 bids.

The proposed zone covers 121 hectares - 75.5 in Great Yarmouth and 45.5 in Lowestoft.

Andy Wood, partnership chairman and chief executive of Adnams, said: “I’m delighted that the Government has recognised the quality of our bid and has given our enterprise zone the green light.

“We are confident that the enterprise zone will help create significant numbers of new jobs in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft and more in the rest of Norfolk and Suffolk.”

Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney said: “I am delighted. The enterprise zone is great news for Lowestoft, Waveney and Great Yarmouth. Evidence from the private sector shows that the granting of Enterprise Zone status will make a clear difference. It will be a tipping point for investment.”

Mark Bee, leader of Suffolk County Council and partnership board member, said: “I am delighted to hear of the designation for Lowestoft and Yarmouth. This is a major incentive to attract new and expanding businesses to the two towns and create much needed jobs. The county council is working closely with Waveney District to help regenerate Lowestoft. By working with Norfolk and Great Yarmouth we can really put the area on the map as an inward investment location.”

Dr Peter Funnell, president of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce said: “This is great news for local people and for local business in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. The enterprise zone and its potential to create new jobs will make a real difference to the economies across Suffolk and Norfolk. As the voice of business, the chambers are working hard to improve the skills of the workforce across our two counties and today’s news will be fundamental to that development.”