Retail and leisure developments throughout the UK are thriving at present, with the effects of economic recovery particularly benefiting consumers living in the affluent south. Unfortunately, it now appears that the positive impact these developments bring to local economies may not be felt for some time in Devon, with local residents coming out in force to protest against a new project to be located between Willand and junction 27 of the M5.
The as-yet unnamed developers, who have already received financial backing for the project from global investment giant Axa, submitted plans to Mid Devon District Council for a sprawling retail and leisure park which would encompass employment and leisure space along with around 3,000 new homes. As well as supporting local industry by establishing a Devon producers food court within the development, the project would also play a part in improving infrastructure in the area by incorporating an improved motorway service area and a larger number of transport links.
However, a petition calling for the plans to be rejected has already gained 107 signatures, with local residents voicing concerns over the impact the scheme would have on the local environment and on retailers operating within nearby town and village centres.
This is not the only obstacle standing in the way of the development as it has now emerged a local landowner is unwilling to sell the space which would allow construction work to get underway. He has written to developers to express his concern that the retail park would become something of a “countryside theme park”, as well as negatively impacting upon the surrounding Devon countryside.
Developers remain undeterred by the negative reaction and have insisted they will submit a new plan to the council which will work around the fields they are unable to buy. In part, this confidence in the scheme may be due to the 92 letters of support received from local residents who believe the new development could bring prosperity to the region.
Those who support the proposals argue that the development would be well placed to attract sub-regional investment, allowing tenants of the leisure and employment space the ability to strategically connect with firms in the outlying area. In addition, they claim that pollution would not necessarily be a problem, as nearby Tiverton Parkway railway station would allow for ease of access via public transport for those travelling from Exeter and Taunton.
This plan is only one set out by Mid Devon District Council in its Local Plan options report, which covers development work in the area up to 2033. Yet this is the plan which received the most responses out of the 1,200 sent in regarding proposals up to 2026 – one in six respondents wished to express a view regarding the development, although not all were negative.
Do you believe it is important to protect the local environment in situations such as this, or should the council instead consider whether the proposals will benefit the local economy as a matter of greater importance?
