Up to 100 jobs could be created if a new £2.5million business development is given the go-ahead.

Thurston-based Seamans Building Ltd is due to put in the proposals for the 15 two-storey business units, which would be erected near the A14 in Stowmarket in the new year.

The development would be built on land west of Tomo Road in the town, near the large housing estate, Cedars Park. Office, service and construction-based companies could work from the units.

Chairman of Stowmarket and District Chamber of Commerce, Peter Down, said he was “delighted” with the news.

“Development is to be encouraged; to bring more opportunity for work in the area – it’s what we need in the economy most of all,” he said.

“What’s encouraging is that this is a local developer who is feeling sufficiently confident to make a significant investment.”

He said as long as the development was “balanced” with the wishes of the community then the chamber would welcome the plans.

The proposals have been temporarily withdrawn to allow discussions to take place with the Highways Authority and Suffolk County Council over the proposed development.

Jon Pattle is a partner with Poole & Pattle Chartered Architects, which is drawing up the plans.

He said the development was in response to the improving regional economy with the business units offering “high-quality” space which was needed in the town.

Construction work, which would take a year to complete, is expected to start in the spring, if approved by Mid Suffolk District Council.

Earlier this week proposals for a 55-bedroom hotel and more than 30 new homes in the town were announced.

Retail Development Partnership wants to build on land off Prentice Road, near the railway station.

As well as the homes and hotel, a cafe and improvements to land near the River Gipping would be included in the development.

On Monday councillors at Mid Suffolk are due to discuss the Chilton Leys development, to the west of the town, which is expected to bring up to 1,000 homes, a school and community facilities.

The executive committee will meet at the council’s headquarters in Needham Market at 10am.