DEVON could get its own version of the Eden Project under plans for a large leisure and retail complex at junction 27 of the M5.
Experts from the Cornwall tourist magnet have announced they have joined the J27 Westwood team to ensure that every aspect of the proposed attraction reaches world-class levels of environmental sustainability.
This move is intended to pave the way for the Eden landmark near St Austell to have a permanent presence at the proposed "Gateway to the South West".
The announcement comes ahead of a crunch meeting of Mid Devon District Council, at which developers will find out whether the J27 proposals are to be entered into the next local plan – a blueprint for development in the area for the next 20 years.
Westwood's proposal for a 230-acre hectare leisure and tourism destination is forecast to create more than 3,500 jobs, excluding those of working on the project during the building process.
Developers have suggested a multiplex cinema, a local food market, discount fashion outlets, a 1,800-seat theatre, hotels, cycle trails and even an artificial surf reef for the site.
They say there would be "green" parking for 3,500 cars and most trees and hedges would be maintained or added to.
But the plans are opposed by local groups concerned about the loss of agricultural land and the impact the development will have on traffic.
The Eden Project will begin by undertaking a detailed review of every aspect of the proposed development at Westwood, from landscaping and the architecture and design to transport arrangements and the proposed building materials.
Its team will then produce a series of recommendations aimed at making sure the scheme far exceeds modern sustainability standards.
Bob De Barr, from Westwood, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured the involvement of the Eden Project at Westwood. It's the South West's most famous tourist attraction, and it is a huge vote of confidence in Mid Devon's potential that they are willing to join forces with Westwood.
"We want them to challenge every single aspect of the scheme so that we can create one of the greenest, most innovative facilities the UK has ever seen."
Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project, said he had undertaken "very constructive" conversations with the Westwood team about the possibility of having a presence at the site.
He said: "The Eden Project has become a part of Cornwall's landscape but we very much see ourselves as an asset for the whole of the South West.
"With this is mind we have had some very constructive discussions with Westwood and their team about the possibility of the Eden Project having a presence on this exceptionally-located site at the gateway to the South West.
"With all the uncertainty about the funding and promotion of the Westcountry's tourism industry, the opportunity to explore creating a destination promoting the whole region is very interesting."
Westwood is being considered by the council for inclusion in the district's draft local plan, which is due to be submitted to the Secretary of State for examination in 2015.
The Mid Devon cabinet will meet on December 11 (10am) to determine whether Westwood should be included in the draft plan, a decision that will subsequently be voted on at a full council meeting on December 17.
In a representative sample, ICM polled 500 people in the Mid Devon in August, 2014.
The poll found that two-thirds of local people supported Westwood when they had been informed about the scheme.
