CLAIMS that a major leisure and retail development which could be built on fields near Junction 27 of the M5 would support up to 4,000 jobs have been described as "ridiculous" at a public meeting.
Councillor Bob Evans accused developers of "breathtaking arrogance" and said they were failing to take local people's views into account over proposals for the 230-acre development.
And he rubbished claims that thousands of jobs would be created by the park.
Developers backed by insurance and investment company Axa are asking Mid Devon District Council to put the development into its local plan – a blueprint for development in the district until 2033.
It would include parking for 3,000 cars, a centre for tourism, a market selling local produce, clothes shops, car dealerships and possibly a cinema.
Two assessments – into how the development might affect leisure and retail in nearby towns and villages – are being carried out.
Cllr Evans told a meeting of Uffculme Parish Council on Thursday that figures provided by those backing the proposals do not stack up, and he suspected that the high job figure was being used as a sop to win over planners.
He said Government statistics said there were 600 working age people who were out of work in Mid Devon, so that if developer claims were true, thousands would be commuting into the district to work there, making a nonsense of claims that the park would provide jobs for local people.
Several landowners near the junction have agreed to sell farmland near the junction so the development might go ahead, but as revealed in the Gazette last month, one farmer has said they will not sell at any price.
"The thing I find very, very disturbing is the attitude I get when I question the lady representing developers," he said.
"When I pointed out that one farmer is refusing to sell his land because a lot of local people don't want this development, she just brushed it aside and said 'oh well, we'll just build around him'. There is breathtaking arrogance and a refusal to take on the views of local people."
Cllr Evans also said that there were dozens of empty shops in Devon and even new developments were finding it difficult to find tenants. Others at the meeting pointed out that there were warehousing and logistics estates near the junction which were part empty.
"We've a large development at Cranbrook and they are really struggling to fill retail units," he said.
"Sainsbury's was going to take on one shop but I understand they have pulled out. We have to question whether it is right to build more shops and warehouses on farmland when there is a likelihood they will remain empty for some time."
Despite a campaign against the development called the Friends of Uffculme, and Willand, Uffculme and Cullompton councils objecting to the proposals, Mid Devon District Council has had almost as many people writing in favour of the proposals as against.
The junction has long been earmarked for development because of its unique position in Devon at a junction of a major duel carriageway – the North Devon Link Road - and the M5.
Cullompton Town Council wants development at Junction 28 of the motorway so money can be provided to support infrastructure projects there.
