New Science Park Wins Planning Permission
1/12/2009
A proposed new business and innovation centre, Exeter Science Park, received outline planning permission last month after East Devon District Council councillors met to discuss the development.
LDA Design was appointed to prepare the initial masterplan and then to act as a lead planning consultant and masterplanner to prepare the outline planning application for Exeter Science Park. The 24 hectare site is currently agricultural land and is located close to major roads, two train stations, an airport and Exeter city centre. The project is part of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point and will provide around 200,000 square metres of space for knowledge, science, engineering and medicine related enterprise.
"This is a major planning consent for East Devon and we're delighted with the result, especially as we were involved with both the design and planning elements of the project," said Frazer Osment, partner and project leader at LDA Design. "As a science park this marks a new approach in work place design with the built form and landscape coming together to create scientific communities for the sharing of knowledge and ideas. This approach also opens green spaces to surrounding communities, so Exeter Science Park will have a life outside of working hours.
"We'll also be working to ensure that innovation is at the heart of the science park by seeking to introduce design and technologies to support and encourage a sustainable, and perhaps carbon neutral, development."
Exeter Science Park is being driven by a strong local partnership consisting of Devon County Council, East Devon District Council (EDDC), Exeter City Council, the Met Office, the University of Exeter and the South West RDA (Regional Development Agency). Outline planning permission had recently been granted for Flybe's Training Academy, which will be another asset to the local economy.
Cllr Ray Franklin, EDDC's portfolio holder for strategic planning and regeneration, explains why these projects are so important to the growth of Exeter and East Devon. "These developments are absolutely fundamental for skills development in the area. We have known for some time that there is a real need to address the skills gap and providing direct links between education and industry will undoubtedly help to improve the skills of the current work force. Both Exeter Science Park and the Flybe Training Academy will be shining examples of this principle at work."
"With the potential to create up to 3,000 jobs in the first 15 to 20 years, we see the Science Park as helping to position the city as a serious regional business centre specialising in scientific and technological activities," added Cllr Adrian Fullam from Exeter City Council. "Yes, this site will be a high value employment location attracting higher income earners with higher expenditure into the local economy; but it will also develop small and medium sized companies employing people with a range of skills, from school leavers and new graduates to high grade scientists."
Ian Thompson, area director for the South West RDA, a funding partner for both projects and the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point said: "Our strategy for future economic growth and the development of a low carbon economy means promoting high value skills, technology, and research and development - and within the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point we have the right ingredients coming together for this. These projects are going to play a big role in encouraging enterprise and innovation in the Exeter area in our wider strategy of unlocking business potential across the region."
Now that outline planning permission for Exeter Science Park has been agreed by East Devon's Development Control Committee, work to clear the site can begin next year, with the first buildings underway in 2011.
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Dawn Barnes T: 020 7467 1470 / 07956 137 277
Carol Walsh T: 01865 887 050
