PLANS to extend Liverton Business Park on the outskirts of Exmouth to create new employment space have been given the go-ahead.

The five hectare site to the north of the existing park will have the potential to deliver in the region of 10,000m2 for new businesses.

It is anticipated that initial ground works will start next spring.

Clinton Devon Estates, the owners of both Liverton Business Park and Liverton 2, are already speaking to businesses interested in moving into the new development.

Malcolm Williams, the estate’s retained agent from Harrison-Lavers and Potburys, said: “The first tenants will have the opportunity to choose their site and have a say in the design and layout of their building.

“This means we will effectively be building to order, subject to gaining necessary planning approvals, of course.

“We anticipate this will be a very attractive prospect for a number of businesses, especially in light of the fact that Liverton Business Park has an excellent reputation for being well managed, well maintained and easily accessible.”

It is thought the first businesses could move into the purpose-built premises in 2012.

Leigh Rix, head of property and land for Clinton Devon Estates, said they would be extending an existing cycle route and putting in a new footpath to link the new development with residential areas.

He added: “We will be landscaping the site, preserving the existing hedges and valuable trees, including some very old oak, to ensure that Liverton 2 appeals to the tenants, the wildlife and the neighbours.”

While Liverton Business Park is predominantly retail, Liverton 2 will provide space for businesses in the light industry or storage and distribution sector.

Ray Franklin, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for strategic planning and regeneration, said it was very exciting news for Exmouth and the wider East Devon economy.

“We are keen to bring forward more employment land for the town,” he said.

“This is both because of the potential for new employers to move in and also to allow the flexibility for companies and organisations to move to Liverton from other sites, so freeing these up for re-development.

“The expanded business park will also be easy for local people to access on foot and by bike, so offering the chance of greener commuting for some”.

The original Liverton Business Park was established in the early 1990s.