Developers have submitted a planning application to create a new business park with more than 1.75 million ft² of accommodation in the North East.

Joint-venture company Forrest Park Newton Aycliffe Ltd (supported by commercial property developers Richardson Barberry) has applied to Durham County Council for consent to extend Aycliffe Business Park onto the 116-acre Forrest Park site at Junction 59 of the A1(M).

The proposals include a range of units from 30,000ft² to 500,000ft², a trade park consisting of 11 units from 5,000ft² to 10,000ft² and ancillary amenities that include a public house.

There is also the potential to accommodate a rail freight interchange. A planning decision is expected in April. Aycliffe Business Park is currently home to around 500 companies, employing 10,000 people.