A massive £8milllion grant has been rubberstamped by Whitehall chiefs, which could create 1,000 new jobs in East Devon and Exeter.

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The Exeter and East Devon Growth Point has secured the cash from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF), a £2.4billion pot of cash set up to boost economic growth.

The Exeter and East Devon Growth Point, which includes Exeter Science Park and the Clyst Honiton by-pass, intends to use the money, which should be available in the new year, to fund new roads and green energy schemes, or used to remove obstacles and kick start development.

Ultimately, it is expected that this will help to create more than 1,000 jobs and help build more than 1,000 new homes.

Cllr William Mumford, chairman of the Growth Board said: “This is fantastic news.

“We are getting ever-closer to delivering on our vision, affordable homes, good job opportunities and sustainable living.”

Leader of East Devon District Council Paul Diviani said: “We are delivering substantial, dynamic development.

“We are over the moon that the Government has seen fit to allocate a substantial portion of the Regional Growth Fund to enable us to continue the process.”