Major new Exeter border development opens to public consultation

A major proposal for up to 1,750 new homes on land between Clyst St Mary and Clyst St George has been published this week, with local residents invited to give their views as East Devon looks for ways to meet growing housing and infrastructure pressures.

The site, located in the so-called “West End” immediately east of Exeter, is being put forward as one of the district’s largest potential developments. 

East Devon District Council has previously identified the area as one of the least environmentally constrained parts of the district, making it a likely option for large-scale growth.

Developers say the land could help address acute demand for both market and affordable housing in East Devon and Exeter over the next five years. 

Alongside about 1,750 homes, plans outline a range of new infrastructure including a two-form-entry primary school for around 420 pupils, neighbourhood centres with shops and cafés, work hubs, and new community facilities.

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More than half the site would be dedicated to green infrastructure, including a proposed 35-hectare nature area designed to form part of the Clyst Valley Regional Park. 

The development would also include mobility hubs, a Park & Change site, and new public transport links aimed at improving access to Exeter without increasing car dependency.

The proposals also highlight commercial and employment space intended to complement existing business areas such as Greendale, Hill Barton and Winslade Park. 

Developers say this approach could help support what has been described as an “Arc of Connectivity” across the West End - a network of walking, cycling and bus routes linking communities to nearby jobs, schools and leisure services.

The site is expected to sit alongside the emerging Marlcombe development, with both schemes described by planners as forming part of a wider long-term strategy for sustainable growth east of the city.

Residents are being asked to review the early proposals and share their views as part of the consultation.

A public drop-in event will take place on Thursday 27 November 2025, from 2pm to 7pm at the Westpoint Arena Meeting Studio (EX5 1DJ).