New Devon town of up to 8,000 homes revealed in huge plans

The vision for a new town in East Devon has been revealed in two masterplan options. A community consultation is now underway to build up to 8,000 homes by 2050 on land between Exeter Airport and Crealy Theme Park.

Dubbed the 'new Cranbrook' which is also located within East Devon, the proposals include a town centre, schools, shops, leisure facilities, a cemetery, a park and ride and Gypsy and Travellers pitches. A public open day was held yesterday, September 16, at Westpoint Centre for residents to find out how the new community could look.

The masterplans are available to view online and the consultation will end on October 7. The first option includes a bigger area identified for homes, allowing lower density and less open space.

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It proposes to use 180 hectares for homes as well as Gypsy and Travellers pitches, and 189 hectares of public open space. The town centre would be built adjacent to a large open space and listed buildings.

The second option includes 156 hectares used for homes as well as Gypsy and Travellers pitches, and 214 hectares of public open space meaning there would be an increase in housing density. The town centre would be located in the north on the river corridor and access on to the A3052 would need to go through ancient woodland.

The development land was approved as the preferred site option for the development last December by East Devon District Council (EDDC) councillors. The new development near the Devon County Showground at Westpoint is aiming to have 2,500 constructed by 2040.

Cllr Todd Olive, EDDC’s portfolio holder for Strategic Planning, said: "I urge our residents to review these two masterplan options for the new community that is crucial for delivering sustainable new homes for local people. We want to create a community that will become a first-class example for others to follow.

"We are taking practical steps to make sure we are setting the vision for this community to meet local needs and to ensure that will be delivered on the ground. We are learning lessons from new developments around the country, including locally in Cranbrook.

"We are doing things differently from the outset, taking an assertive approach to make sure that the new community will be a great place to live, work and study. The online consultation is an important chance for you to share your thoughts on the evolving masterplan, and to help shape what this new community will look like for decades to come. Please use it."

Both of the concepts include:

• three distinct neighbourhoods, each with a mix of affordable and private homes, including different types and sizes and homes for the elderly

• employment and residential uses which will be served by a new town centre and supporting local centres

• an extensive network of open spaces

• two neighbourhood centres and one town centre, including community facilities, schools, shops, cafes and leisure uses

• sustainable features to reach a net zero carbon ambition

• a walkable town with a sustainable transport network that prioritises active transport and public transport

To view the two masterplans and take part in the consultation, please click here.