FRESH proposals for a 90-unit business centre in Ardleigh have been given the green light by Tendring Council.

Evolve Business Centre was granted planning permission last July to build 79 commercial and storage units and five office blocks at the Crown Business Centre, in Old Ipswich Road.

But Tendring Council's planning committee approved a new application which increased the number of units to 90, with the rest of the scheme the same on Tuesday night. *JUNE 11*

The previous application had been deferred and amended in order to protect an oak tree, and the committee heard how this application still protects that tree.

The site already has permission for a hotel and office development, with the application looking to replace the accommodation element with more offices and storage.

A Tendring Council spokesman said: "Councillors were told that, in line with the last office application, the plans would not significantly change the scale or character of development on the site, which was in keeping with other commercial centres in the area.

"The scheme had been recommended for approval by officers, as the scheme is in keeping with policies promoting economic investment through the provision of new workspace, and was backed by the planning committee."

The 5.7 acre site is on a former golf driving range.