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 to Vale of White Horse District Council for the regeneration of 14.3 acres of the park over the next 10 years. A company spokesman said: "The plans complement the growth agenda for Didcot and the wider area, and we have received positive feedback from the park occupiers."

If approved, the plan 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.