An often overlooked benefit of an up-to-date local plan is the positive impact it has on creating a vibrant environment which encourages enterprise and innovation, boosting high quality employment opportunities in the local area.

Identifying the best development sites for businesses in the Local Plan consultation is a major factor in securing the infrastructure needed to support our communities, promote economic prosperity and deliver much-needed local jobs for local people.

Preparation of the Local Plan will ensure that there are sufficient sites for business, both in the immediate and longer term, and is fundamental to securing recovery - especially in a post-Covid, post-Brexit environment, said Executive Member for Business, Economy and Tourism Cllr Nina Jeffries.

“Sites are needed to enable new businesses to start up and for existing companies to expand or relocate to more fit-for-purpose premises, so that companies can see a bright future investing in Teignbridge,” she said.

“Our jobs plan which includes transforming our town centres, helping businesses to start up and grow, improving market access and connectivity and modernising the visitor economy, could not be delivered without the Local Plan.”

The latest local Economic Development Needs Assessment - which will be updated in light of Brexit and Covid - showed that demand for employment sites was driven by the need to replace space as it becomes outdated, as well offering sufficient choice and flexibility for businesses.

The 18 employment sites identified in the Local Plan for consultation will contribute to the creation of job opportunities by providing for example office space; manufacturing and industrial units; storage and distribution facilities; trade counters; as well as complementary uses such as gyms, cafes or takeaways.

The final Local Plan will also support employment opportunities in town centres, provide residential accommodation for home working and provide the infrastructure to support major employment sectors such as education and healthcare.

“Ensuring we always have sites available for employment is essential if we are to respond to sectors such as manufacturing, which although declining locally, is enthusiastic for new workspaces,” said Cllr Jeffries.

“Businesses want to be able to choose from different sites so they can meet their specific needs, and we must ensure there is sufficient flexibility in the employment property stock to allow them to upgrade or downsize their requirements depending on their circumstances.”

Cllr Jeffries said that a key challenge is to ensure that forecasts for new employment land are properly reflected in the Local Plan and that the right policies are in place to support the needs of our local economy.

She encouraged businesses and local people to comment on the employment site options in the local plan consultation by completing the online survey at Teignbridge.gov.uk/localplanreview