Policy GESP13: Strategic Economic Assets

To protect key strategic economic assets from loss to other uses or impact from new developments nearby, the following assets will be retained and proposals for enhancement supported:

1. Established, allocated and permitted strategic employment areas:
   1. Heathfield, Bovey Tracey
   2. Brunel Road, Newton Abbot
   3. Exeter Airport Business Park
   4. Heathpark, Honiton
   5. Greendale, Woodbury Salterton
   6. Hill Barton, Cat and Fiddle
   7. Matford/Matford Green, Exeter
   8. Marsh Barton , Exeter (subject tospecific development proposals in this plan)
   9. Sowton, Exeter
   10. Exeter Business Park
   11. Pynes Hill, Exeter
   12. Tiverton Business Park
   13. Kingsmill/Stoneyford, Cullompton
   14. Lords Meadow, Crediton
   15. Mid Devon Business Park, Willand
   16. Hitchcocks Business Park, Willand
   17. Houghton Barton , Newton Abbot
   18. Peamore, Exeter
   19. Sands Copse, Kingsteignton
   20. Milber, Newton Abbot
   21. Intermodal interchange, Cranbrook
   22. Skypark Business Park
   23. Exeter Science Park
2. GESP employment allocations
   1. [Sites to be determined following this consultation and identified in the next version of the GESP]
3. Allocated leisure destination at Junction 27, M5 Motorway
4. Other key economic assets:
   1. Exeter Airport
   2. University of Exeter
   3. Meteorological (Met) Office

6.23 It is important that we recognise the contribution made to the local economy by our key economic Draft policy GESP13 ensures these assets are not compromised by development and are protected from speculative housing or other redevelopment proposals which would undermine their strategic contribution.

6.24 Major employment areas provide a choice of sites for There will always be churn (the natural turnover in employment premises) and redevelopment to improve or replace existing premises and therefore it is important that employment sites are not released on the basis of vacancies. Lack of available employment buildings is a key barrier quoted by businesses attempting to start up, expand or move into the area. Whilst it would not be appropriate to protect allocated employment sites where there is no prospect of a site being used for that purpose, where sites are viable and productive they should be retained. The mere fact that a higher value can be obtained by a different use such as housing is a poor strategic reason for losing key economic assets. The areas listed in the draft policy GESP13 are considered major, where loss to another use would be a significant blow to the area’s economy.

6.25 Enhancement and renewal of these employment areas is supported by the policy, including infrastructure and utility strengthening, environmental enhancement, redevelopment of out of date buildings and other investment within their boundaries. This is subject to there being no adverse effect on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites.

6.26 There are other key economic assets within the Greater Exeter area which are drivers for improving productivity; they attract like-minded companies, improve the skills base and allow the area to trade internationally:

• Exeter Airport is a key economic asset that supports local jobs and contributes £150 million gross value added to the local economy by driving national and international visibility, investment and job creation.
• The University of Exeter is good for the city region, particularly in economic terms; in 2015/16 the activities of the University directly contributed £346 million to the local economy and provided or supported 3,490 jobs (full time equivalents). With recent expansion this figure is now higher.
• The Meteorological (Met) Office is a significant employer, with a highly educated workforce, it also provides the opportunity for spin-offs through their high performance computing capacity. It has strong research links with the University and a presence on the Science Park.

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