THE new body being proposed to steer economic growth will fail in its objectives without better representation from Exeter, the region's business leader has warned.

Exeter politicians have already expressed outrage at not being given a seat at the boardroom table of the Local Enterprise Partnership, which if approved will be tasked with "creating the right environment for business and growth" when regional development agencies are scrapped in 2012.

The proposal will be drawn up by Devon County Council and the unitary authorities in Plymouth and Torbay.

But now Tim Jones, the chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said without representation from bodies such as Exeter Chamber of Commerce as well as the city council, the whole set up was doomed to failure.

He said: "The current proposal does not even pass the first base in addressing the economic needs and the key drivers in the area.

"Devon's bid does not sufficiently reflect the growth Exeter brings to the table or the future role the city will play in driving economic growth for the area.

"Until we see that addressed, it is very difficult to go with the narrow model that is being pushed through.

"There has got to be local business groups — clearly the Exeter Chamber are the natural fit. They are a very strong chamber, well identified and have a lot of very good initiatives and it is quite wrong not including them in the process.

"How can you deliver joined up economic growth if one of the centres for economic growth and one with enormous potential for the future are not adequately part of the process?

"Forget administrations and council structures — this is not about that. It needs to fully focus on what will drive the economy forward. If you exclude Exeter it will not work.

"The city needs significant representation and the chamber and the council have a rightful place on the table."

At the heart of the dispute for Exeter City Council is its status after the city's bid to become a unitary authority was blocked by the new Government.

The county council argues Exeter's voice will be heard on the proposed LEP, which will tackle issues such as planning and housing, transport and infrastructure and supporting small businesses.

Leader of Devon County Council, Councillor John Hart, said the Government wants the private sector to take the lead on the new LEPs and, consequently, there would one seat on the board for business in Exeter, one seat for Exeter University and one seat for Devon County Council.