Plymouth Freeport 'safe' despite change in government

'I see no reason why there should be any about-turn'

The much-vaunted Plymouth Freeport project is expected to forge ahead despite the change of government.

Freeports were set up around the country under the previous Conservative administration, to encourage trade in key areas including Plymouth and the South Hams.

Businesses setting up inside the Freeport area are eligible for tax breaks and other forms of support, with the aim of creating thousands of jobs.

South Hams Council has joined Plymouth City Council in driving forward the Freeport, and Cllr John Birch (Lib Dem, Totnes) has the role of leading that council’s strategy.

“I see no reason why there should be any about-turn or any restrictions,” he told a meeting of its executive committee.

Questions were asked about whether the new Labour government would have the same commitment to Freeports, and Cllr Birch pointed out that all parties had been involved in setting them up at a local level.

“The general view is that as far as economic development is concerned, they are on track,” he said. “The Freeport will have the support of the new government, and certainly the leader of Plymouth City Council (Labour councillor Tudor Evans) is very enthusiastic about it.

“All the signs are that there will be continued support for the Freeport from the new government.”

But Cllr Jacqi Hodgson (Green, Dartington and Staverton) told the committe she understood "that there are not going to be any more Freeports.”

The committee heard that Labour’s proposal to end restrictions on inland wind farms could mean developments within the Freeport at Langage, although there are no specific plans.

Being a part of the Freeport could cost South Hams council up to £3.5million, funded through borrowing and business rates, but supporters say the benefits will far exceed that.