Council officials in talks to relocate from Sidmouth to Heathpark Industrial Estate.

Heathpark Industrial Estate in Honiton could become the new headquarters for the district council.

New deputy chief executive Richard Cohen has been charged with overseeing any future move.

The Herald understands that, following a behind closed doors meeting of East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) cabinet last week, the estate, already the location for meetings of the East Devon Business Forum, is the favoured site if a move happens, with many other services going to Exmouth Town Hall.

Civic leaders in Honiton have welcomed the news.

Mayor Vernon Whitlock said: “It will provide a valued boost to the economy of the town and is recognition that Honiton is at the heart of East Devon”

Councillors have poured over a confidential Office Relocation Comparative Study document penned by Kensington Taylor Architects.

Reasons for the move include the site’s central location in the district, good transport links and because the business centre in the park is already owned by the council.

The proposals follow former council leader Sarah Randall Johnson last year labelling Knowle as “an antiquated building that costs a fortune to heat and run”.

The council is to keep the project under “continual review”.