Fresh expansion of Devon’s newest town gets green light

Plans for nearly 100 new homes in the Devon new town of Cranbrook have been given the green light by council planners.

Persimmon Homes South West has secured permission from East Devon District Council to build 92 "zero-carbon ready" properties.

The development will be situated near the town centre and local school, marking the latest phase in one of the UK’s most ambitious housing projects.

Of the new units, 61 have been granted full planning permission, while 31 have received outline consent, and will require detailed approval.

Cranbrook holds a unique place in Devon’s geography as the first free-standing new settlement built in the county since the Middle Ages.

Since the first residents moved in during the summer of 2012, the town has grown from a construction site into a community of over 8,500 people. However, the project is far from finished.

The Cranbrook Plan, adopted in 2022, outlines a vision for the town to eventually host 8,000 homes and a population of roughly 20,000 residents, roughly the size of Tiverton.

The newly approved site aims to uphold the town’s reputation as an "eco-town." Key features of the proposal include:

• Biodiversity measures: The installation of "hedgehog highways" and animal boxes to protect local wildlife.

• Green infrastructure: New public open spaces and extensive tree planting.

• Affordable Housing: Just under a third of the properties will be delivered in partnership with a housing association to tackle the local waiting list.

Cranbrook is known for its young demographic, with a significantly higher-than-average population of children under five. This has put a premium on the delivery of "vital infrastructure" such as schools and community hubs.

Dan Heathcote, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes South West, said the approval was an "important step" in fulfilling the vision for the area.

"The scheme will provide energy-efficient homes in a well-connected part of the town," he said. "We are proud to be playing a key role in Cranbrook’s continued development, supporting the delivery of schools, community facilities, and neighbourhood centres."

The developer confirmed it will also provide financial contributions toward local services as part of the planning agreement.