PLANS to expand a business park which could create more than 500 new jobs failed to receive the support of Woodbury Parish Council. Property developers FWS Carter and Sons Ltd submitted an application to East Devon District Council for outline planning pe

PLANS to expand a business park which could create more than 500 new jobs failed to receive the support of Woodbury Parish Council.

Property developers FWS Carter and Sons Ltd submitted an application to East Devon District Council for outline planning permission, wanting to expand land to the west of the Greendale Park in Woodbury Salterton.

But, at a planning committee meeting held earlier this month, councillors said they would not support the application.

It was felt if expansion went ahead the site would be too close to the village, leading to fears over traffic implications and noise created from vehicle's reversing beepers.

Cllr Gerdes said: "We have discussed this in detail and spoken to people in the village and feel in its present form can't be supported."

Cllr Bricknell explained he had talked with a number of people who live close to the business park who were not happy with the latest plans.

In a letter to East Devon District Council, Mr Steventon, of Parkhayes, Woodbury Salterton, said he strongly objected to the proposals.

He added: "This application is outside the employment area as defined by the local plan. If this is ignored, what is the point of such a plan?"

"It is not pleasant, and really quite alarming to see such an ugly blight on the landscape creeping ever closer to our village."

Mat Carter, of applicant FWS Carter and Sons Ltd, said the application was made following a detailed review by the council of available land for the creation of new jobs.

He added: "This identified an acute shortage of employment land currently available in the area to meet the needs of businesses.

"And, that there will be a delay of at least two years before further land can be allocated within the council's local development framework.

"In view of this, it identified Greendale Business Park, in addition to land at the Airport and Hill Barton Business Park, as suitable sites for expansion to provide employment space to meet short term needs.

"In the current economic climate, a small amount of local concerns are far outweighed by the benefits the development will deliver to the local economy.

"The application will deliver 6.2 hectares of employment land over the next two years and will create at least 500 jobs as well as make a significant contribution to the local economy."

The plans will now go before East Devon District Council.