A £50m redevelopment which owners say will completely transform the heart of one of Europe's biggest business parks has surprised community leaders.

Milton Park, near Didcot, is home to more than 150 businesses employing about 6,500 people - and has more science and biotech companies than anywhere else in Oxfordshire.

Now owner MEPC is set to submit a planning application for the regeneration of 14.3 acres of the park over the next 10 years to Vale of White Horse District Council September.

A company spokesman said: "The plans complement the growth agenda for Didcot and the wider area over the next 10 years, and we have received positive feedback from the park occupiers."

If the plan is approved, it will see the construction of a 120-bed hotel with conference facilities, 8,600 sq ft of retail space and 239,000 sq ft of office and laboratory space.

The proposals, drawn up by a team including asset manager Philip Campbell, also include improvements to the main route into the park, off the A34 Milton Interchange, and on the A4130.

The company says a comprehensive travel plan will provide alternative means of transport to the car to reduce congestion.

But John Flood, leader of Didcot Town Council, said he was surprised South Oxfordshire District Council had not been informed about the plans.

He said: "Milton Park is really tied up in Didcot and any development there will affect the development in Didcot.

"The town is their main source of labour. There is bound to be a knock-on effect.

"Everything is coming good in Didcot and it would be good if we could work together and not in isolation so both the town and Milton Park will benefit."

The owners said the plans, which would use sustainable cleaner energy technology and solar energy, would not be a flood risk.

The redevelopment could also incorporate an "urban park" complete with a new plaza boulevard, water features and contemporary design pieces, opposite the existing Park Centre.

The spokesman said: "It will establish a bold new entrance to the area and the architecture of the scheme will improve the work environment."

Anna Robinson, South Oxfordshire District Council's strategic director, said: "We would want to be reassured that any proposals at Milton Park would not conflict with the sustainability of Didcot and its growth as a shopping centre."