A SINGLE economy Tsar has been appointed to oversee economic development and planning across East Devon and Exeter.

A SINGLE 'economy Tsar' has been appointed to oversee economic development and planning across East Devon and Exeter.

In a radical move East Devon District Council and Exeter City Council are pooling their resources' on Planning and Economic Development.

Following discussions between the two authorities, they have agreed that Karime Hassan, Corporate Director for Economic Development for East Devon, will hold a dual role until December 2010.

From April he will manage the City Council's Strategic Planning, Economic Development and Property functions in addition to his key East Devon responsibilities.

EDDC leader Sara Randall Johnson said: "East Devon has been leading on the work for the New Growth Point, which includes the New Community, Skypark and the Science Park.

"Karime has been playing a key role in these vital and prestigious joint projects, which impact on the local and regional economy.

"Given that there are additional major development sites to come forward either side of the boundary, we see this tie up as a very helpful arrangement in maximising our efforts to create new jobs on these employment sites and to deliver the housing that both authorities need."

Karime Hassan, Corporate Director for Economic Development at East Devon District Council, added: "I am very excited by this prospect and this shared role, albeit for an interim period, as I can see some significant benefits from joint working at this crucial time in the growth of the Exeter and East Devon economy.