PLANS for a new business park at Trevol near Torpoint in South East Cornwall have moved a step closer with the approval of planning permission for two factory units at the entrance to the site. Caradon District Council has approved detailed plans from the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) for the two buildings which will support around 50 jobs when occupied. The South West RDA is investing £3.75 million in transforming the former Ministry of Defence site into a business park aimed at companies looking to locate to South East Cornwall or expand. A further £1 million is expected to come from the Objective One programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with a decision expected in the next few weeks. Robert McGuffie, the South West RDA's Cornwall Regeneration Manager, said: 'This is an important employment site for South East Cornwall that could eventually support hundreds of jobs once fully developed. But it needs our investment to make it suitably attractive for businesses to locate there.' The first phase will create four small industrial units within one building, plus a larger detached unit. Access from Trevol Road will be improved, and there will be new roads and site services including electricity, water and drainage. Subject to the Objective One funding being agreed, the South West RDA will start work on site this autumn and aim to complete the first phase of development by the end of summer 2006. Discussions are also continuing with Caradon District Council about it acquiring a plot facing Trevol Road for development into small business starter units. Hugh Francis, Leader of Caradon District Council, said: 'Trevol Business Park has the opportunity to offer a really good mix of business premises ranging from industrial and light industrial uses through to office space, and that's exactly what Caradon needs if we are to support and grow new and existing businesses.'
