A MAJOR road-side development on Ottery s outskirts, including a hotel and petrol station, could create upwards of 100 new jobs for townsfolk.

A MAJOR road-side development on Ottery's outskirts, including a hotel and petrol station, could create upwards of 100 new jobs for townsfolk.

A surveyor working on behalf of a "well known operator," told the Herald yesterday that construction work on a project involving land off the A30, near the Daisymount Roundabout, could begin in Spring next year.

The bid, which is hoped will see the site become "the watering-hole of the A30", already has planning permission, and according to surveyor Gary Bannon, will include:

- A hotel

- Petrol filling station

- Restaurants

- Parking facilities for cars and caravans

Mr Bannon emphasised the bid was in the "early stages of the development process" but could generate in excess of 100 jobs, and would take around a year to be completed.

He described the driving force behind the project has only as "a well known operator".

Mr Bannon added: "East Devon District Council (EDDC) is being very helpful with our design proposals and council officers and members deserve credit for recognising the need for this facility.

I consider the development will bring many long term job opportunities and help boost the local economy."

The Herald has been told a site near the Daisymount Roundabout has had planning permission consent for around a decade.

As the Herald went to press yesterday, EDDC were yet to comment on any plans for the land.

Ottery's Chamber of Commerce has been written to about the project, and members had mixed opinions about the bid when they discussed it last week.

While some feared passing motorists won't "stop off" in the town, others felt Ottery is in need of a hotel and could benefit from 24 hour services to attract passing trade which currently bypasses the area on the A30.