TORBAY is one step closer to 1,200 new jobs after landmark developments in two multimillion pound projects.

Work on the £100million White Rock business park and homes scheme should start before the end of the year after councillors gave the project a conditional green light.

And developer Cavanna Group has now bought land nearby on Brixham Road for employment space and homes. The White Rock scheme includes 350 new homes, a 36,800m² industrial estate, a supermarket, student accommodation as well as sports facilities, new roads and 15 hectares of landscaped open space.

It is expected to be built over the next five years, once the final Section 106 agreement is finalised with Torbay Council.

Following the planning meeting on Monday, February 13, Mark Tyrell from the developers Abacus DeeleyFreed (pictured) said he hoped to see the work start before the end of the year. He said: "We're pleased the officers and councillors have supported the principal of a mixed-used development at White Rock.

"We look forward to engaging with them."

Mr Tyrell told the meeting that the White Rock project would represent a major boost to Torbay's economy and create some 1,000 jobs once the project is complete.

He added: "At a time of tough economic conditions, this is a chance to provide jobs and development. This is a significant investment in Torbay. It will be the catalyst for further regeneration in the Bay and will encourage people to live and work locally while enhancing the environment."

He said along with the business park they were committed to providing 20 per cent affordable homes, community space, a football pitch and landscaped parks as well as £500,000 towards educational and transport projects in the area.

Councillors said they wanted to see proper access to Brixham Road in place, and full preparatory infrastructure ready for South Devon College's planned Energy Centre before the final go-ahead can be given.

If this is not sorted within six months, the application will have to come back before the planning committee.

The scheme is crucial for the college's Energy Centre.

Laurence Frewin, vice principal of corporate services at South Devon College, said they were delighted with the news.

"The college is very excited about basing its new Energy Centre there as it will provide a base for our specialist team to respond to the fast changing sustainable energy market and offer excellent training."

At the planning meeting deputy mayor Cllr David Thomas said: "It is important that we get employment land here. The developer is committed to this scheme, the college is committed to this scheme. Is this planning committee committed to regeneration and seeing this scheme through?"

Planning permission was granted with all members voting unanimously in favour.

On the neighbouring Yannons Farm site Cavanna hopes new employment space will create 200 jobs. Ground works are expected to begin this spring on the 25-acre site behind Park Bay Garden Centre and near the Sainsbury's store.

There will also be a mix of open market and affordable housing on the site.

In 2011, the Cavanna Group received outline planning permission to provide 5,000 square metres of employment space alongside 220 houses. Twenty years ago the site was allocated for employment alone. Cavanna Group said it remained undeveloped due to the prohibitive costs of the infrastructure which is now able to be met by the housing element.

Cavanna's head of land Simon Longthorpe said: "The purchase of the land at Yannons Farm is a significant step forward for us and for the people of Torbay who have been waiting for this site to be developed for the past 20 years." A reserve matters application is due to be lodged later this year.