A MASSIVE 3,000 jobs could be created in Chester over the next decade.

But that's only if American banking giant MBNA can win planning approval to build a huge extension to its sprawling European headquarters on Chester Business Park.

Bosses at MBNA Europe Bank Ltd are eager to double the size of their operation but their American dream lies in the hands of planning chiefs at Chester City Council.

Rumours have been circulating for some time of a possible jobs boost by the company. But they were cemented yesterday when planners at the Town Hall received an application from MBNA to apply for an expansion of their operation on remaining land close to their site which houses 3,000 staff

This development, which will be a massive boost to Chester's economy, is proposed on a 26-acre site which MBNA acquired in December 2000.

Just less than half of MBNA's proposed site is within the existing business park and already has the benefit of outline planning permission.

The other half is in a landlocked site behind the Holiday Inn formerly Posthouse Hotel which is allocated in the deposit draft Chester District Local Plan as an extension of the business park.

The planning application also contains a green commuter plan and environmental study.

Prime Minister Tony Blair visited MBNA about a year ago to announce the company was to create up to 1,000 new call centre positions.

At the time he said: 'It's a real honour to see myself what an excellent and thriving company it is and what you have done and how dedicated the staffare.

'Everywhere I go I see these signs which say think of yourself as a customer. I don't think I have ever had such a strong sales pitch made to me as Prime Minister in all the places I have visited.

'Since in a business such as this, it is that quality of customer service that really makes the difference and one of the reasons why we are so passionate about education in schools nowadays is because it's only if people have that bit of extra education and have that skill of dealing with people, as well as simply sitting in front of a machine, that they can really make a difference and make a business grow and be successful.'

If planning approval is granted for the new development, and subject to European market conditions, MBNA's proposal would bring considerable capital investment and jobs.

In a statement, the leader and deputy leader at Chester City Council, Cllrs John Price and David Evans said: 'This is potentially very good news.

'We recognise that it will bring challenges with it and the city council's planning board will need to balance all the issues carefully in reaching a decision.

'However, there is huge potential benefit, not only for Chester, but for North West England and North Wales.

'Over the last eight years, MBNA have, directly and indirectly, created thousands of jobs and brought hundreds of millions of pounds of investment into the wider Chester region.

'Our policy is to work closely with MBNA and other local businesses to retain and create jobs in a sustainable, vibrant local economy.'

They add: 'Working with MBNA and in partnership with Government, the North West Development Agency, Cheshire County Council and others, we hope we can achieve MBNAs intended growth.'

The city council will consider the planning application closely over the next few months and, if approved, may need to go to the Gov -ernment office north west for final approval.