Skypark ambulance special operations centre approved
Plans have been approved for a specialist ambulance hub at Exeter's new Skypark business centre in Devon.
The purpose-built centre for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust will be home to the hazardous area response team (HART).
Additional staff will also provide a "conventional" ambulance station service for the new town of Cranbrook.
Work will begin in September and the centre should be operational next year.
HART units are specially trained to respond to incidents such as collapsed buildings, hazardous materials and flooding.
With a geographical area of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, as well as Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, the ambulance trust's chief executive said quick access to the M5 motorway made Skypark the ideal location.