THE first of two sets of new workshops planned for Seaton has this week (May 8) received planning consent following East Devon District Council's Development Management Committee.

The seven new workshops will be built on land off Harepath Road at the end of Fosseway Park. Planning permission has been given for two blocks of units, along with an extension to the existing access road, car parking and landscaping.

Boost Councillor Ian Thomas, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: "I welcome this first step in the process to create new opportunities for small businesses in Seaton by providing cost effective, modern and fit for purpose units and workshops.

"We will now be testing the market to determine demand. This has the potential to create more jobs for the town providing another boost to the town's economy".

A second set of 14 units is proposed at the former council depot site on Colyford Road. The planning application for this development is expected to be heard by Development Management Committee in July.

The workshops are part of a programme of initiatives to regenerate Seaton that include Seaton Jurassic, the new visitor centre for the Jurassic Coast, improvements to the Axe Estuary Wetlands, the Stop Line Way cycle path and residential developments.