ALMOST 100 jobs could be created if a company in Highbridge gets the go ahead to make a major expansion.

Isleport Foods, which is located on Isleport Business Park, is looking to grow its operation and increase employee numbers from 306 to 398 after handing in a planning application to Sedgemoor District Council.

In a move that has been greeted enthusiastically by residents, the company, which is owned by Icelandic firm Bakkavor, would extend its factory and create 92 new jobs.

The firm said the expansion is needed to fulfil increasing orders, and the new jobs would be created in two new extensions and across four departments.

If approved, a ground floor goods-in area, a new entrance and first floor offices would be built, while there would be a 1,200m sq extension along the northern side of the building.

Tina Gray, chairman of Highbridge Residents’ Association (HRA) said: “I think it would be brilliant if the planning application goes through as it would mean almost 100 new jobs for the town.

“It’s good to see something like this potentially happening in the town. Hopefully it will be good for Highbridge. The sooner it goes through the better.”

A spokesman for the company said: “Isleport Foods is in the early stages of considering plans to further develop the site over the long term.

“Any plans for expansion are still being finalised and would then require approval by the company’s board.”

Burnham Town Council’s planning applications committee unanimously supported the application at its meeting last week, saying it would bring much-needed employment to the area.

A decision on the proposal is expected by district planners in the next few weeks.