The site of a former sawmill looks set to be turned into a mini industrial estate after the go ahead was given for 10 industrial units near Wisbech port.

The ten roller door commercial units were granted planning permission on land east of Crab Marsh.

The units are expected to increase availability of modern commercial premises for small to medium businesses in the Fens.

It is hoped that many of the incoming businesses will be marine-related which will help encourage development of a marine hub to tie in with the growth of the offshore energy market in The Wash.

The application site passes over land solely owned by Fenland District Council and discussions have been taking place with the applicant, Tingdene Developments, to ensure there is easy access for vehicles going to and from the site.

Local residents expressed concern that the road access was only 6.1 metres wide saying lorries already found it difficult to manoeuvre and reverse down this area.

Councillor Virginia Bucknor has asked that consideration be given to possible noise nuisance for more than 200 elderly residents who live opposite the site in park homes.

The site is within an existing industrial area which has been vacant for some time.

The units will have a pitched roof industrial appearance with roller shutter doors although final design is yet to be approved.

Fenland District planning committee members heard that the proposal would have no negative impact on the neighbouring area and was expected to bring economic and employment benefits to the port business scene.