Commercial property developer Stoford claims a leading parcel delivery company will be the next occupier to move to Exeter Logistics Park, if plans are approved for the latest stage of development at the industrial scheme in East Devon.

Stoford has submitted two reserved matters planning applications to East Devon District Council, for two new building units on former farm land near Clyst Honiton.

They include the proposed construction of a 55,000 sqft parcel distribution service centre with integral office space on behalf of an end user, which has the potential to create up to 151 new jobs.

The park is part of the second phase of a significant industrial scheme on 55 acres of land owned by the Church Commissioners for England. The site is part of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point economic development zone east of the M5, near Exeter Airport. If approval is granted, construction work could start on site in July 2021, with the units functional by the first quarter of 2022.

The proposed new warehouse which is planned for Exeter Logistics Park

Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford said: “This is an ambitious build programme that would unlock further development at Exeter Logistics Park and deliver significant economic benefits. Our proposals recognise the need for the site to be developed responsibly, reducing carbon footprint where possible and providing features that will help contribute towards the Council’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.”

The building will be constructed to a BREEAM ‘very good’ environmental rating and contains a range of sustainability features, including PV solar panels, a sustainable urban drainage system and a green roof atop office areas. The proposal includes 120 car parking spaces and 93 external van loading bays, including electric vehicle charging points, with the infrastructure in place to become fully electric in the future.

A second smaller unit of 28,500 sqft would be developed speculatively and is expected to operate as a conventionally designed facility, providing flexible warehouse space.

Joanna Loxton, Head of Strategic Land for the Church Commissioners for England, said: “The Church Commissioners are delighted to be partnering with Stoford to deliver this new facility at Exeter Logistics Park. We are pleased to see the strong sustainability credentials that form a key part of the scheme, including infrastructure for electric vehicles, green roof spaces and the provision of solar panels, all of which will contribute towards carbon reduction.”