NEW jobs could be created in Okehampton ? plans to establish a business park, providing much needed workspace on the outskirts of the town, have taken a crucial step forward. West Devon Borough Council has applied for planning permission to build 16 small business starter units on a site earmarked for employment on the outskirts of Okehampton alongside Exeter Road near to the A30. Working in partnership with the South West Regional Development Agency, the borough council has taken the lead in the project ? called Opportunity Okehampton ? which will see the 26-acre site further developed for new businesses over the next few years. The site, which is owned by South West RDA, is seen as an ideal location for businesses in food-related production because the area is so close to the A30. Cllr Nick Morgan, chairman of the borough council?s environment and community committee, said Opportunity Okehampton was an exciting venture for the area. ?The project will bring much needed units for new firms to develop, and these sort of businesses have an important role in developing the local economy. ?With several large food producers in West Devon, we hope to attract more of this kind of industry to the borough, particularly in the areas of food technology and development.? Tim Beavon, West Devon?s head of economic and community development, said the units had proved particularly popular in other areas of the county. He said: ?They will be specifically for businesses with good growth prospects and will allow firms to become established before they move on to larger premises.? Mayor of Okehampton Tony Leech welcomed the announcement. ?Any new business in the town has got to be good for the town,? he said. Chairman of Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade Richard Appleby said the chamber gave its backing to the Opportunity Okehampton project. ?The town is growing, so more employment and opportunities for small businesses in Okehampton are needed,? he said. In the last week, the council has applied for planning permission to build the units and to provide roads and services. The application will go before West Devon?s planning and licensing committee in the next few months. If planning permission is approved, building work on the site is expected to start later this year. The news will be a welcome boost for the local economy. In September last year, West Devon?s biggest employer, Heinz, announced its decision to seek to sell off its frozen food division, including its plant in North Road, Okehampton.
