The creation of thousands of new jobs in Bradford has moved a step further after plans to construct a business park were today given the green light by councillors.

The proposal to turn the former West Bowling Golf Club off Rooley Lane into a 90-acre business park now have to be ratified by the Government to become a reality.

US developer ProLogis wants to create a state-of-the-art site, which will include a range of units for small to medium-sized businesses, including a major distribution centre for Marks & Spencer, creating a total of up to 3,500 jobs.

The scheme was today approved by the Council's Bradford Area Planning Panel and subsequently by the Regulatory Appeals Committee - subject to legal requirements, which include a number of highways matters.

During the regulatory appeals committee meeting, Councillor Paul Flowers (Lab, Great Horton) said: "This is a quality development which needs to be welcomed by absolutely everybody, for the huge number of jobs, especially to the south of the city where unemployment levels are much higher than other parts of the city.

"This scheme will offer real jobs, not job substitution and I wholeheartedly support it."

Councillor Christopher Greaves (Con, Wharfedale), who was acting chairman of the committee, said: "This is the Manningham Mills for the 21st century."

A report to the area planning committee stated that unemployment levels in parts of south Bradford stood at eight per cent and the area was regarded as having one of the highest levels of social deprivation in the region.

The development is expected to provide 2,500 jobs at Marks & Spencer as well as 450 to 965 jobs at other businesses when complete.

ProLogis also intends to remove any unsympathetic alterations and extensions to the former golf clubhouse, which is a grade II listed building.

The proposed development of the 17th century building includes landscaping to "significantly improve" its setting.

After the meeting Matthew Byrom, vice-president of development at ProLogis said: "ProLogis is proud to play a part in the development of Bradford's economy.

"Today's news shows what can be done with the right ingredient of a can do' local council and a proactive business community."

The Government is expected to give its decision on the development within 21 days.