l Continued from page 1 our unique natural environment." Steve Humphreys, rural manager of the Objective 2 Programme, said: 'For some time West Devon has been highlighting the shortage of available work space for new and expanding businesses. 'The Objective 2 Programme is pleased to make a significant contribution to this project, which will not only provide a new sustainable Rural Business Centre, but will prepare the site for future development. 'This project complements earlier support for Pitts Cleave, Tavistock and has resulted in over £4-million of European Regional Development Funding investment in the delivery of West Devon work space.' The buildings have been designed by a team of locally based consultants, including Exeter-based architects SMC Penrose, and will be built by the Exeter office of Rok. Natacha du Pont de Bie from Wood, near South Tawton, started Woodball Ltd — a ready meal business — in June of last year. She is currently producing food from home, but is planning to apply for one of the new units as soon as they become available. 'We're really excited about the development,' she said. 'Its whole ethos fits with the ethic of our own business — producing food using prime quality local ingredients, and no artificial additives.' 'It's a great place to have the development — it'll be right in the middle of one of the prime production areas in Devon for local foods. I know that there are lots of small food companies in the area that are looking forward to this development, and already planning how we could work together to share transport and refrigeration needs to fit with its environmental emphasis'. ABOVE: Artist's impressions of the new estate, drawn up by architects SMC Penrose.