BURNHAM and Highbridge Town councillors have given the thumbs up to new plans to expand Highbridge Enterprise Centre.

The councillors showed their support for the scheme after they considered the plans at a meeting of the planning applications committee last week.

Somerset County Council is seeking full planning permission to add another building to the centre on Bennett Way as phase two of the expansion.

The plans come after phase one was completed and a two storey office building and a single storey building containing three units was erected in March 2015.

The build cost £1.16 million and the centre has since been successful and is home to around 30 business as well as attracting national and local business interest.

The phase two building plans were submitted by the county council on September 16 and are now up for consideration by Sedgemoor District Council.

Highbridge councillor John Parkes, who is also on the planning applications committee said that he supports any scheme that improves the local community and that can bring opportunities to young people.

He said: "I think that this is a good thing, it is encouraging young people to get more involved in business and can help to further their careers.

"The lightweight business unit is great because it offers some opportunities for start up businesses that involve social enterprises .

"That in turn can be of great help to young people.

"I was in the recent planning committee meeting and this was discussed at length with my colleagues showing great support for the plans.

"After the success of phase one of the project I am optimistic that the second phase will be just as successful."

Burnham and Highbridge Town Council Clerk Denise Emery said that councillors were keen to support the scheme as they think it will encourage business and employment in the area.

MP for Wells constituency, James Heappey has previously shown his support for the project when he visited the phase one building after it's completion in March 2015.

Somerset County Council is now awaiting a decision as to whether the plans can go forward.