Newton Abbot engineering company Centrax is about to try again to develop an industrial estate at Milber, only now it's evolved into an upmarket business park.

Last April, Teignbridge councillors refused permission for a scheme off Long Lane saying it would adversely effect an Area of Great Landscape Value. Concerns were expressed that the hill top location, occupied by fields and sports pitches, would become a blot on the landscape. Around 250 objections were raised, including 180 letters from residents who feared the project would bring traffic chaos.

There were supporters too, keen to see improved sports facilities the project also promised, but their voices never drowned out the detractors. Now Centrax has said it has a scheme which addressed all the objections. The new proposals are for a low profile 20,000 sq ft business park featuring a 'unified design theme' targeted to appeal to 'priority sector' businesses such as high-tech engineering firms.

The major part of the project would be sited off Long Lane where 10 acres would be developed, along with another three acres on land above Centrax. A new access road would mean Haccombe Path could be closed to all traffic entering both the new site and existing industrial estate and 'extensive' landscaping and tree planting would take place and downward directed street lighting installed.

Anthea Hoey, principal planner with Atkins Ltd, the firm appointed to oversee the bid, claimed the plans were 'the most appropriate' for the site and would not feature 'crinkly sheds'. She said the mixture of high quality buildings and the presence of Centrax were an attractive proposition and new employers would bring much needed well paid employment. Firms had already expressed interest in the project although their identities could not be revealed. A consultation among residents about the proposed road had only yet attracted a few responses but all had been positive although she added: 'We're not naive enough to believe there will be no negative feedback.' One unimpressed resident is Cllr Ken Tucker, who has helped form the Milber with Haccombe Residents' Association. A resident of Haccombe Path, he said to think about benefits diverting traffic away from his home might bring was to miss the bigger picture. 'Our aim is to preserve the beautiful open fields that my granddaughter and future generations will love and need just as much as we do now,' he said. 'Open fields this business park will rob us of forever.' Mrs Hoey said Centrax would be submitting planning applications 'soon'.