PLANS for a new train station in Okehampton have been been backed by Devon County Council, which is to submit a planning application for a station on the east of the town.

The new station would link the town and the Opportunity Okehampton employment site with Exeter.

The county council purchased the site from the Regional Development Agency last year, in an effort to boost the long-term employment and economic prospects of the town.

A new shared footpath and cycleway would link the new employment site and train station to the existing housing estates and employment areas.

With the site's close proximity to the A30, the station could also serve a wider catchment area.

Members of the council's cabinet have also agreed to submit a revised planning application to broaden the scope of the employment site.

The new plans will include non-food retail, distribution and a hotel, building on permission previously granted for office and industrial land use and ancillary warehousing.

The railway station and Opportunity Okehampton site were discussed by county councillors at a cabinet meeting last Wednesday.

County and town councillor Christine Marsh said: 'I am delighted. 

'This is great news for Okehampton, and is the next step in hopefully achieving an improved passenger rail service for the town that will boost tourism and employment opportunities for local people.'

The council cabinet member responsible for economic development, Cllr Will Mumford, said: 'Developing an efficient business infrastructure is an essential building block to supporting the local economy. 

'Making sure that the available employment site, which will complement the town's existing business centre, has every opportunity to attract a wide range of business opportunities, and having the transport infrastructure to support it is critical.

'While the county council is able to fund a significant amount of the work, further funding is needed.

'Establishing planning permission for a new small train station will improve our chances of success in attracting Government funding, and in improving passenger rail services to Okehampton, which is being re-tendered by the Department for Transport. 

'There will also be a continuing need for travel between Okehampton and Exeter for work, education, retail and leisure purposes, and creating a sustainable low carbon rail alternative will accommodate growth in housing and employment without exacerbating highway congestion.'

Ian Bailey, the chairman of the Chamber of Trade, said: 'I think a new train station is good news for Okehampton, and I hope that the proposals go through.

'Having a new train station can do good both ways, in terms of giving people the chance to either find work in Exeter and commute, or commute to Okehampton to work.

'It also can bring in visitors who want to shop, go for moorland walks or enjoy anything else the town has to offer.

'It really is great news, and hopefully businesses here will feel the benefit.'

Peter Chapman from the Dartmoor Railway Supporters' Association also found the news encouraging.

He said: 'It's very good news. It helps to secure the long term future of the railway tracks.

'The site offers ideal access for people further afield, with the direct connection to the A30.

'The main thing for us is the decent investment in the line to ensure its future.

'We were always worried that things may not go ahead, so this is encouraging.

'If it is a success and there is a regular service there, it opens up possibilities to run to North Tawton and Bow.

'It also provides a connection for people and tourists to the moors and to other activities in the area, which can only be a good thing.'

Funding for key infrastructure to open up the Opportunity Okehampton site would be drawn from the £1.636 million allocated by the council for commercial developments across Devon between 2012 and 2016/17, and would then be recouped as individual development plots are sold.

Around £110,000 from Devon's Local Transport Plan settlement funding would need to be allocated to the station, footpath/cycleway link and car park, to supplement  £250,000 which has already been committed from Devon County Council's own resources.