WORK to bring forward new housing and employment sites has been approved but one local landowner warns the scheme represents a missed opportunity.

Mid Devon's allocations and infrastructure development plan document, which sets out a framework for development in the district up to 2026, was endorsed by planning inspectors last week.

Landowner David Disney had contended his holding at Jersey Farm near junction 27 of the M5 could be brought forward for development quicker than the council's preferred option of an Eastern urban expansion.

The Jersey Farm site was recommended for allocation in the previous local plan but the Secretary of State directed its deletion on grounds that its location east of M5 junction 27 was unsustainable on national policy.

Although the inspector acknowledged the circumstances had changed in that planning permission now existed for an improved roadside service area, employment floor space had already been provided at Swallow Court.

The council's own corporate plan had also been updated to strengthen support for economic development, and the inspector judged this was insufficient to justify changing the plan to incorporate the scheme.

Mr Disney said: "Along with another landowner, we challenged the timeframe for delivery, and the lack of available employment land for Tiverton and the villages surrounding junction 27.

"We know the infrastructure cost to bring forward J27 will be in the order of £2million whereas the eastern extension was quoted at the enquiry to have up front costs in excess of £25million.

"J27 land is immediately available. However, it's likely Tiverton will see no real employment land brought forward for more than 10 years. The Tiverton landowners have not been approached nor a developer found."

Mr Disney said he had not been surprised by the decision taken by the inspectors, but questioned the vision which the area's councillors had for employment opportunities for Tiverton and the rest of Mid Devon.

Councillor Richard Chesterton, portfolio holder for planning and economic development, said: "It is great news for Mid Devon that after years of work on the local development framework, the plan has been accepted.

"One of the benefits of this is that — although the Junction 27 site is not allocated for development — various new sites will become available for businesses, which will help create new local jobs.

"We look forward to working with various partners to bring about the necessary infrastructure across Mid Devon."

The council received a letter last week in which the inspector confirmed he had found the plan to be sound, subject to some minor changes.

Specific findings of the inspector's include:

● Land for homes (including affordable homes) in Tiverton and Bampton, and allocation of new employment land at the eastern urban extension of Tiverton (sites at Hartnoll Farm, and Devonshire Rise, Tiverton; and South Molton Road, Bampton are not allocated).

● Land for homes (including affordable homes) in both north west Cullompton and the surrounding villages of Culmstock, Kentisbeare and Willand.

● Land for homes (including affordable homes) in both Crediton and the surrounding villages of Bow, Copplestone, Morchard Bishop and Sandford.

● Link road on the hillside route in Crediton to cut traffic congestion.

● Allocation of new employment land at Wellparks, Exeter Road and in Bow.