Property developer Goodman Group has suggested that a planned rail freight depot in Derbyshire could create far more jobs than it was originally believed.

The proposals for the site between Etwall and Egginton include up to five million square feet of manufacturing and distribution space and the company thinks that 6,000 jobs could be made available once the facility is up and running, the Derby Telegraph reports.

This is 4,000 higher than experts had first thought - much to the delight of George Cowcher, chief executive of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce.

Although the plans are still in their infancy, Mr Cowcher told the news provider any development that has the potential to deliver this many employment opportunities should be welcomed.

Commercial property expert Russell Rigby of Rigby and Co said these proposals are exciting.

"With road transport costs rising, and freight by rail costs still competitive, the creation of this scheme will attract new employers to our area," he was quoted as saying.

The government is keen to see more companies transport cargo via the rail network, as this will enable them to remove polluting HGVs from the road.