Cullompton should be given priority over a location “in the middle of nowhere” which has been earmarked as a potential future site for prime Mid Devon employment space.

This is the view of Councillor Nikki Woollatt, who believes the development of land at junction 28 of the M5 motorway will have the most impact on the district’s residents.

She claims emphasis is being given to junction 27, at Sampford Peverell, in Mid Devon District Council’s economic development strategy – a three-year plan to boost the economy.

Cllr Woollatt, who represents the north of Cullompton, said: “This may sound a dry and boring subject to many, but I would urge residents and business people in the district to take the opportunity to have their say – this is important.

“I am particularly concerned at the emphasis given in the documents to promoting development at Junction 27.

“I strongly believe priority and emphasis should be given to developing the employment land allocated at Junction 28. This is not just because I represent Cullompton, it is common sense.

“Junction 27 is in the middle of nowhere, yet at Junction 28 we have a town full of residents who I am sure would love to find work on their doorstep.

“This in turn would feed in to reducing our carbon footprint. An aim of the strategy is to regenerate our market towns, so let’s focus on those areas first as I believe that will have the most beneficial impact for our residents.”

Residents have until Monday, February 20 to comment on the document, which states that Mid Devon faces “significant challenges” to its economic development, because of its location and the extent to which it can attract and retain skilled people.

Junction 27 has been identified as a key area for the delivery of employment and “high quality” business floor space due to its location on the junctions of the A361 North Devon Link Road and the M5 motorway. It is also close to the A396.

The strategy is designed to increase investment in the district, to provide start up, relocation and expansion opportunities for businesses, to regenerate market towns and raise skill levels, educational attainment and income.

A consultation has so far found that 78 per cent of respondents said the council should focus its efforts on helping local businesses to grow.

Around 65 per cent believe the council should treat attracting investment and new businesses into the district as a priority and only around 37 per cent and 17 per cent respectively believe town centres and markets should be improved.

A spokesman for Mid Devon District Council said: “The economic development strategy is currently out for consultation and we’re keen to hear all views.

“Land has been allocated for employment sites in Cullompton at Week Farm – 40,000 sq metres on the north west urban extension. Planning permission is pending at Venn Farm and planning permission has been granted on land at the Kings Mill Industrial Estate.”

Visit www.middevon.gov.uk and click on the ‘Boosting the Mid Devon Economy’ tab for more information.