£255,000 grant from the government to speed up planning process

Tax-busting freeport zones in Plymouth are heading for expansion after a quarter of million pound grant from the government to accelerate planning.

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The £255,000 of funding will be invested in kickstarting the growth of Langage, Sherford and Turnchapel.

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The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, set up in 2022, was granted £25 million of seed funding in 2024 to address infrastructure gaps and create the right conditions to encourage private sector investment.

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The area is covered by three local authorities - Plymouth, South Hams District Council and Devon County Council.

With the focus on marine, defence and space industries, the freeport has attracted more than £70 million of investment since it was set up.

Freeports receive a variety of tax breaks, customs and business rate reliefs to encourage economic activity and create jobs. More than 3,000 jobs are expected to come from the area being given this special economic status.

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Companies currently benefiting from the freeport are Babcock International, Princess Yachts, Carlton Power who are developing a green hydrogen plant, marine autonomy innovators M Subs Ltd, JET engineering System Solutions who are working on maritime 5G connectivity and Supercat, which has partnered with Babcock for defence vehicle manufacturing.

The latest completion has been four new high-quality business units at Beaumont Way, Langage South, owned and funded by Plymouth City Council, expected to support around 138 full time jobs.

Langage is the largest of the freeport sites at 48 hectares. Devonport’s South Yard is also a freeport site but not included in the expansion project.

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Turnchapel’s four hectares is currently not a tax site but a request has been made to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to include this as part of the freeport tax site expansion proposal.

Boating hub Yacht Havens would like to accelerate their preliminary discussions around the further development of that site, say council documents.

The existing Turnchapel employment land is already full, with a waiting list of businesses.

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Plymouth City Council says due to freeport status there is high demand for more industrial and waterside space to meet the needs of the city’s defence and marine autonomy clusters, with firms looking to test, trial and deploy within Plymouth and wider the freeport area.

The funding will commission “a rapid review to better understand the specific planning requirements for each developer and the required performance commitments that would be needed to deliver the freeport vision and secure much needed retained rates”.

Cllr Tudor Evans (Lab Ham) said: "There is huge pent-up potential for further growth in defence and marine autonomy industries in Plymouth and the freeport is key to helping unlock this potential. We all need to operate at pace to grab these big opportunities.

“This government grant funding will help speed up the process for unlocking these three key sites, which will secure private sector match funding and ongoing economic growth and job creation."

The full seed funding capital programme with match funding of £4 million from Plymouth City Council, £9 million from Devon County Council and infrastructure support from South Hams District Council, has also included innovation units and office space at South Yard in Devonport, a spine road extension to unlock plots at Langage and a pedestrian/cycle bridge across the A38 by Devon County Council which will provide residents active travel access between the Freeport’s Langage and Sherford sites.

In addition there is a port optimisation project by Cattewater Harbour Commissioners designed to attract cleaner, greener ships to the port and enhanced freight capability at Millbay Docks with the strengthening of the West Wharf, part of a £23m investment by Associated British Ports.

It's not too late to plan a romantic weekend

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. Whether you're arranging an intimate, candlelit night with your significant other or seeking entertaining activities to share, there's plenty on offer for all tastes.

And if romance isn't on the cards this year and you're choosing to mark Galentine's Day with your mates instead - enjoying a night of dancing, laughter and a few sneaky cocktails with the girls - we've got plenty of options for you too!

Here at DevonLive we have compiled a list of all the best events and deals you can find locally in the county

If you have an event to add to this list drop your suggestion in the comment section below.

St David's Church in Exeter is hosting two Candlelight Concerts on Valentine's Day and there are still tickets available for both performances.

The first is a Queen vs Abba tribute at 7pm on Saturday, February 14. Then at 9pm, there will be a tribute to Coldplay and Ed Sheeran.

Tickets start from £24.50 plus a £1.22 booking fee.

Find out more on the Queen vs Abba tribute here and more on the Coldplay and Ed Sheeran tribute here.

Available from Thursday, February 12 to Saturday, February 14, the Valentine's event at Bovey Castle must be pre-booked.

Bovey Castle says: "Impress your loved one this Valentine’s at Bovey Castle. Begin the evening with a chilled glass of Champagne before indulging in a romantic five-course candlelit dinner, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of our in-house pianist.

"Set within the majestic surroundings of our Dartmoor estate, this elegant celebration is the perfect way to mark the season of love. From the glow of the chandeliers to the gentle notes drifting through the Great Western Restaurant, every moment promises beauty, warmth, and indulgence."

Find out more here.

Gara Rock, situated in Salcombe, has a number of Valentine's offerings, including a special menu, a romantic package including champagne waiting in your room and even a spa offer.

Gara Rock says: "Create your Gara Rock love story this Valentine’s Day. Luxury spa, breathtaking sea views, food galore, and right on the doorstep of the beautiful harbour town, Salcombe.

"Explore the stunning settings of South Devon hand in hand. Or sit back with your feet up and a glass of something chilled, chatting the day away. We may not be able to guarantee sunshine, but we know you'll be swept away by the romance of Gara Rock.

"Delve into the taste of love with our specially created Valentine's menu. For the weekend of 14 February, we’ve put together a Valentine’s menu alongside our A La Carte menu.

"Three isn't a crowd to us... bring your pooch along to make it even more special. It’ll be the romantic getaway you’re longing for."

The Botanist in Exeter's Guildhall Shopping Centre is hosting a special Valentine's Day menu, starting from Monday, February 9.

There's a Valentine's Day sharing menu which is £39.95pp.

The dessert option includes an edible chocolate plant pot, filled with vanilla cheesecake and salted caramel, served with fresh strawberries, butterscotch chocolate sauce for dipping, prosecco jelly shots and two spoons.

There will also be live music playing too and you can submit your requests. Find out more here.

Home Park stadium is really giving us the best events this year; you simply just can’t miss out! They've described it as “stylish, feel-good afternoon of music, delicious treats and a touch of tipsy fun” With live entertainment Dan Costin a saxophonist this afternoon tea experience sounds like a delight!

Taking place on Saturday, February 14, prices range from £30-£35 depending on whether you're a season ticket holder - being a fan comes in handy sometimes!

We’re staying on the fun theme here, so if you and your partner prefer a more playful and hands on Valentines' experience heading over to The Barcode may be the best option for you!

What can beat a bit of healthy competition over some crazy golf and possibly a few cocktails in their bunker for just £35 and to really round up the date you can chuck in a main meal for just five pounds more. A simple no fuss Valentine's plan.

Labyrinth Barnstaple is hosting a traffic light party over the Valentine's weekend, from Friday, February 13 to the early hours of Sunday, February 15.

The event organisers say: "Get ready to mingle this valentine's day... Choose your sticker on entry and enjoy a high-energy night out packed with party favourites, dance classics, biggest dnb tracks and feel-good tunes to keep the atmosphere going all night, with Valentines Decor and Giveaways all weekend!!"

Find out more here.

Nothing beats wining and dining and when that involves some good quality steak, very few will complain.

From Saturday, February 7 to Sunday, February 15, Miller and Carter have their three-course set menu for just £41.50.

With delicious starters such as sweet and smokey king prawns and mains like Wagyu's sirloins, no one's going home hungry! To top this all off you can add an extra glass of Moet and Chandon champagne for an extra £10 to make the evening that extra bit special!

Miller and Carter has restaurants in Exeter and Plymouth.

The popular spot on the Barbican, with a 4.7 TripAdvisor rating, Fig and Thyme is hosting a ‘bubbles, brushes and nibbles’ evening this Valentine's weekend between 7-10pm.

They posted on their Instagram: “Think candlelight, creativity, something sparkling at the table, and a seriously comforting centrepiece made for sharing."

This sounds like the perfect evening that can be enjoyed by anyone, couples or just a group of your best pals! Don’t miss out and make sure to grab a ticket via their website!

Grab your girls and your dancing shoes and head down to the Early Bird on Mayflower Street who knows how to get the party started this valentine. Enjoy drinks on arrival, bottomless refills and your pick of delicious dishes from their menu, all setting the scene for a great night out!

The boogie kicks off at 7:30, so don't be late- the dance floor is waiting!

The love bird small plates

And on a calmer note, Early bird is bringing back their small plates pop up which was a massive success last year - so if you missed it this is your chance to be in on all the fun! With a tempting selection of small plates, wines, cocktails and dessert. It's an ideal choice for food lovers looking to slow things down and savour every bite!

The Tarko Lounge is Barnstaple is hosting live music with Amanita Grove on Saturday, February 14.

Tarko Lounge said: "Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Tarko Lounge Barnstaple, accompanied by duo Amanita Grove, as they entertain you with their Latin, Folk and Neo-Soul tunes on this special evening."

The event starts at 6pm. Find out more here.

Imagine enjoying a romantic dinner surrounded by incredible sea life around you. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it's possible.

This Valentine's Day, the national marine aquarium is providing you a superb three-course-meal with wine and cocktails all served in front of their stunning aquarium displays. It is set to be a truly beautiful and unforgettable evening - the perfect way to treat a loved one.

With tables available for two, three, or groups of four, it’s ideal for couples or even a memorable double-date experience.

Make a weekend of it

If you're looking to make a full weekend of Valentine's celebrations, why not check out hotel stays? The Moxy Plymouth has availability for Valentine's weekend, with prices from £64 on Booking.com.

The Crowne Plaza, which overlooks Plymouth Hoe, is also available with pay at the property options for Valentine's weekend.

In the opposite direction, Holiday Cottages has this lovely Cammomile Cottage tucked away in Bere Alston and it is available over the Valentine's weekend.

In Exeter, the Hotel du Vin has availability for Valentine's weekend. The Magdalen Street hotel has a spa, outdoor swimming pool and is pet friendly.

In Uplyme, this cosy Dove Cottage is available throughout February and is pet friendly with a beach within easy reach.

There's also this Rambler's Retreat near Brixham if you fancy going on a romantic Valentine's Day walk. You can book the dog-friendly property on Holiday Cottages here.

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A young Plymouth entrepreneur who has overcome assault, accident and substance abuse has big plans for his new business -which is already an award winner.

David Rixon is just 23 years old but he’s been in business since he was 17 and is now the co-owner of the newly opened Harry’s Café in Wolseley Road.

The cafe reopened just before with David - who has including a severe assault, a motorbike accident, and struggles with substance abuse and gambling - in charge.

Business is already going well and the cafe has picked up a Global Recognition Award, which recognises entrepreneurs’ achievements.

David took it on when he heard the owner was looking for someone to manage the cafe, which was closed at the time.

He said: “He wanted someone to manage it and I thought ‘why not?’ Harry’s Café had been closed for a few months and had only opened sporadically.

“I came in and needed to do quite a lot: get a music licence, insurance, take it into a limited company. I’m getting a mural company to decorate.

“But in our first eight days we took more than £1,000 in revenue, that was a success considering it had been closed for months.”

The café now opens from 9am to 3pm every day except Wednesdays and Sundays. It employs six people.

It sells breakfasts, sandwiches and baps, specials such as pancakes and eggs benedict, jacket potatoes, fish and chips, burgers, pies, pasta, salads and toasties, and hot and cold drinks.

“Our best sellers are baps and burgers,” said David. “We get quite a lot of regulars, locals who live around the corner.

“We have some ladies who come in for a knitting group. We open on Monday and Friday evenings for them and a woman comes in on Tuesdays for a Bible session.

“We want more, I want this to be a community café . We have a licence to stay open until 8pm, so the more the merrier.”

David is a born entrepreneur who has been on PlymouthLive’s radar since he was a teenager. Having helped his mother with her nail beauty business he set up his own clothing company, enterprises selling vape and tobacco products - and worked as a professional magician.

When he was just 17 David was to youngsters on a Saturday morning in a city centre bank.

He also started a life coaching business and an artist management and events venture too. He told PlymouthLive: “I’m always looking for a different opportunity.”

David is proud of his achievements, especially after the setbacks he has overcome. He said that as a teenage magician “Performing taught me confidence, presence, and how to connect with people - not impress them, just reach them”.But he said: “Then life hit hard”.

David was the victim of a serious and violent mugging in 2021, and then had a motorbike accident in which he broke his foot.

He spiraled into substance abuse, at one time in just two weeks and began gambling at online casinos and maxed out eight credit cards within two months. He lost stability, direction, and at times himself.

But he turned his life around, quitting alcohol, gambling, smoking - even coffee - and paid off debts he ran up.

“Those years stripped everything back to the basics,” he said. “Getting sober changed everything. Not overnight, slowly, painfully, honestly. Rebuilding meant learning who I was without chaos, without labels, without applause.

“Out of that came a simple belief: people matter more than achievements. Everything I built after that - community projects, creative spaces, support networks - came from that belief.

“Not to be seen as successful, but to make others feel they belong. That’s why Harry’s Café exists.

“It isn’t about who you are on paper. It isn’t about status, money, or recognition. It’s about who you are when you sit down, have a conversation, and feel human.

“The café is where community starts, where everyone is equal, and everyone is welcome.”

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THE PEOPLE of Devon are being urged to have their say on the biggest shake up in local government in 50 years.

The government has launched a consultation on five proposals which have been submitted in response to its call for clearer, more streamlined structures to replace Devon’s current two tier system with a new set of unitary councils.

The public have until midnight on March 26 to put their views forward on which proposal they think will deliver the best services for them.

Local government reorganisation in Devon will see the eight district councils and the county council, who have different responsibilities, abolished in 2028.

From then on much larger and fewer unitary councils will be in charge of all local services from waste to social care and local road maintenance.

Devon’s councils put forward their preferred options in November after embarking on their own engagements with residents.

The proposals are:

Devon County Council wants to see a new Devon unitary council serving a population of 842,000 operating alongside the existing unitary authorities of Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.

The district councils’ vision known as the 4-5-1 model is a three unitary council made up of Exeter and Northern Devon (covering east East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge.), Torbay and Southern Devon (covering the South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay and West Devon) and Plymouth (on its existing footprint).

There is also a modified version of this which includes an expansion of Plymouth into the parishes of Bickleigh, Shaugh Prior, Sparkwell and Brixton and limited to those areas within the Plymouth Policy Area as defined within the Joint Local Plan).

Plymouth City and Exeter councils are proposing a four unitary model of an expanded Plymouth (taking in 13 parishes of the South Hams) an expanded Exeter (taking in 49 surrounding parishes from Teignbridge, East Devon and Mid Devon), an expanded Torbay (taking in 21 nearby parishes) and a new Devon coast and countryside council.

Finally Torbay supports a four unitary model and wants to continue as a unitary council on its existing boundaries, an expanded Plymouth City Council covering the Plymouth growth area, a new Exeter council reflecting the functional housing and labour market around the city and a new rural Devon coast and countryside council covering the remainder of Devon.

Devon is one of 14 areas with different tiers of local government which are being restructured.

The government says the proposals show plans to “simplify the needless duplication and reduce bureaucracy”.

“This is the latest step in our plans to reorganise local government which will end the current wasteful two-tier system and replace it with stronger unitary councils that can deliver for local people,” it said.

“Residents will receive better, more efficient public service, freeing up cash for local priorities like fixing potholes and more regular bus services as a result.”

Minister of state for local government and homelessness, Alison McGovern said: “Unitary councils provide clarity for residents and are more effective. That’s why we’re carrying out the biggest change to local government in a generation, and I would encourage local people and businesses to share their views in shaping the future of their area.”

Some councillors in Devon have been critical of the reorganisation and say a depletion in councillor numbers will reduce democracy.

There has also been anger over local taxpayers having to pick up the bill for the cost of consultants and transitioning to new councils and not the government.

The secretary of state will make a final decision on which proposal is carried forward later this year. New shadow authorities will come into play in 2027 and go live on April 1, 2028.