Gloucestershire Airport has submitted a planning application for an expansion of its employment sites.

The new business park will create space for around 1,750 new jobs, by developing a site between the existing Anson and Meteor business parks.

New offices and industrial units will make up the bulk of the 35,000 sq m development at the Staverton site, while the remainder of the site will be landscaped.

Karen Taylor, Gloucestershire Airport's commercial finance director, said: "We are really excited to be able to talk about new jobs coming to the area at this crucial time for the recovery of the economy.

"The location is ideally placed for growth with connections by road and air, and we aim for the airport to be a gateway to growth for the many exciting developments happening in Cheltenham and Gloucester.

"It is an exciting time for the county and our proposal will allow more businesses to connect to the cyber centre of excellence at West Cheltenham, the significant ambition of Gloucester city and the wider region too."

The new 8.5-hectare park will sit on land to the north of the airport site and replace the northern end of the north/south runway. Access to the site will be provided by an improved entrance to the junction on the B4063.

The development is being project managed by Brockworth-based Vitruvius.

Mark Price, managing director of Vitruvius, said: "We have been a part of the team at Gloucestershire Airport for some time, helping to develop a vision and proposals to make it a sustainable business for the long term.

"I'm pleased that we are part of this exciting new scheme to bring growth to our region, at a time when we need a strong recovery.

"As project managers for this major development, we are also delighted to have been able to make this a very Gloucestershire-centric project. We are locally based and our partners on the project are locally based too, helping to further boost the county's economy."

The proposals are supported by GFirst LEP, which has confirmed it will provide £1.885 million in Growth Deal funding to support the infrastructure needed to make the new development a reality.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has recommended that the site is allocated for growth in its Local Plan. The plan is at an advanced stage and awaiting approval from the secretary of state.

Karen Taylor added: "This is an important part of our growth strategy to deliver a sustainable business as part of our long-term vision. Connecting Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Golden Valley with new businesses and airports across Europe will form a crucial part of our success and that of the county."

Gloucestershire Airport had an annual turnover of £4,895,863 for the year 2018-19.

Once the planning application is registered, people will be able to comment on the proposals via Tewkesbury Borough Council's website.