ENGINEERING company Centrax has won more time to build a business park, after potential partners expressed 'lukewarm' interest in a vision which could create up to 500 new jobs and build on Newton Abbot's engineering skill base.

Centrax, winner of a Queen's Award last year, gained approval for its scheme at appeal in November 2008 after a three-year battle with the planning authorities.

The 5.85 hectare site at Long Lane is in an Area of Great Landscape Value and prompted hundreds of objections but the then Secretary of State Margaret Beckett ruled that the need for more employment land trumped environmental considerations.

At the time, advanced engineering was recognised by the Regional Development Agency as being a priority sector for the region, offering potential for skilled jobs. The vision was to have some 15,000 sq m of mixed office and research and development and general industrial uses. The plan also includes playing fields and a new access road connecting it to Shaldon Road.

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