HUNDREDS of jobs could be created as a firm eyes up open space in Rochford to create a “revolutionary” factory building 1,000 flat-pack eco-homes a year.

The site, sitting north of Ashingdon, has been identified by Hempsan, a construction technology business aiming to set a new standard for sustainable development.

Once built, the factory will produce 1,000 homes a year which would all be “climate positivehomes with net-zero carbon emissions.

 Alongside no carbon emissions the homes, which are assembled “rapidly” on site, are deemed to have a positive impact on the environment.

The “cutting-edge” facility, which would be the first of its kind in the UK, aims to create 350 direct jobs and 175 indirect jobs.

Initial designs show the factory built in open space and covered in grass, supporting the firm’s ecofriendly ambitions.

Danielle Belton, councillor responsible for Hockley and Ashingdon, said: “I welcome any business coming to the district and creating employment for local people. Of course, where planning is concerned, I would consider any application on its own merits.

"But, the artist impression of the potential factory is beautiful and I would certainly welcome such considerate and environmentally friendly designs coming forward.”

The company claims to have pioneered the “Biohaus” building system, which allows “climate positive” homes to be built on a large scale.

These homes will go beyond achieving net-zero carbon emissions, removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at completion, and provide all the energy required in operation.

Homes would be designed in the factory before panels - with hemp as the main ingredient - are delivered to building sites and built onsite similar to flat-pack homes.

Matthew Belcher, Hemspan founder and CEO, said: “This will be a significant investment and first of its kind in the UK, helping set a new standard for sustainable development. This factory is a significant inward investment.

“It will not only make Rochford a centre of excellence for sustainable development, but the impact of the investment on the economy will be immense: it will provide employment and will offer valuable skills and apprenticeship opportunities for young people from the local area.”

Hemspan has shortlisted three sites including Rochford, alongside Cambridgeshire and the South West, for the new facility.