East Devon hits out at 'frustrating' government decision over new town

Councils in Devon have challenged the government after a proposed 10,000-home community was omitted from a national development programme.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) launched consultations on its New Towns programme today, but Marlcombe was not selected for the next phase.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) and Devon County Council (DCC) said they would challenge the decision, which they described as a "huge disappointment."

The site had been recommended as a model for development by the New Town Taskforce last September.

The Marlcombe proposal includes up to 10,000 homes, with 40 per cent designated as affordable.

Planners say the project is designed to avoid "pitfalls" seen in other developments by ensuring health services, schools, and transport links are built before residents move in, a strategy they call "infrastructure-first."

Councillor Todd Olive, Portfolio Holder for Place, Infrastructure and Strategic Planning at EDDC, said: "It is a huge disappointment and a great frustration not to have been accepted on to the New Towns programme."

He added: "Our vision for Marlcombe intends to take that requirement and make it work for local residents... creating a town and not just a housing estate; homes not houses."

Council leaders suggested the project may have been overlooked because the area lacks a regional mayor, arguing that the government is failing to support projects outside of large urban areas.

Councillor Paul Arnott, EDDC Leader and DCC Deputy Leader, claimed the decision would hit young people and key workers.

"There has been an urgent and recognised pathway for Plymouth City Council to join Devon and Torbay Combined authority in order that Devon can have a new Strategic Mayor, but Plymouth have stalled for the last year," Mr Arnott said.

"Marlcombe is a casualty of that indecision."

Vision remains

Despite the announcement, local authorities say they remain committed to the project.

• Formal Challenge: The councils intend to respond to the consultation to "challenge the decision to exclude Marlcombe."

• New Governance: Next week, cabinets will be asked to approve a formal "Interim Growth Board" to deliver the vision.

• Funding Search: Officials are now exploring "alternative options for financial support" to ensure infrastructure is delivered up-front.

The government’s consultation on the proposals is open until Tuesday 19 May.