PLANS have been submitted for the first phase of the redevelopment of the former Lister Petter site in Dursley.

The South-West Regional Development Agency and St Modwen Developments have handed over proposals to Stroud District Council for a 165,000 sq ft employment zone on the site.

This first phase of the project to redevelop the 92-acre site will see the relocation of existing onsite employers such as Deutz UK and Lister Petter Ltd into purpose-built units alongside new tenants.

Ian Knight, head of operations at the agency, said: "Now that the plans have been submitted, this is a really exciting stage of the project."

Up to 15,000 sq ft of industrial unit space will be created in this first stage, with the rest of the development to follow afterwards.

Added Mr Knight: "The innovative mixed use scheme will involve the creation of a new sustainable urban community, featuring some 600 new dwellings and the development of new employment premises, which can accommodate the existing tenants on site."

John Balfe, the district council's principal planning officer (south), explained why the development was coming in phases and when it might be ready.

He said: "Employment is the key element to get in first and foremost, but it will be at least 16 weeks before the application can be assessed by the development control committee."

BLOB The developers would still like to hear from the public on what the new area should be called, with Delkin Village and Littlecoombe, having already been suggested.

Anyone who would like to comment or suggest a new name write to Rupert Joseland, St Modwen Developments Ltd, Freepost, NAT16350, Birmingham, B16 8BR.