Cranbrook given 'thumbs up' for new major expansion

Planners have given the go-ahead for the first stage of a massive expansion to the new town of Cranbrook, which will eventually see nearly 1,500 new homes built on the edge of Exeter.

Persimmon Homes South West has received detailed planning consent for the initial 366 properties, alongside the design and access for 55 self-build plots.

The decision marks a significant milestone for the East Devon new town, following the outline planning permission granted for the wider scheme 18 months ago.

The full development is set to deliver a total of 1,435 dwellings, which will be built under the Persimmon Homes, Charles Church, and Westbury Partnerships banners.

Crucially for the local community, up to 196 of these homes will be reserved for local residents via housing associations.

The expansion is not just about housing; the approved plans include a comprehensive suite of local infrastructure:

• Education: A 630-place primary school and a 60-place Special Educational Needs (SEN) school.

• Community: A new neighbourhood centre, a place of worship, and a cemetery.

• Green Space: Over 27 hectares of open space featuring various recreational facilities.

This latest approval follows a separate recent go-ahead for 92 homes near the town centre, which featured "hedgehog highways" and biodiversity enhancements.

The Cranbrook Plan, adopted by East Devon District Council in 2022, aims to grow the town to a population of approximately 20,000 people. The plan mandates low-carbon development and requires developers to contribute financially to local infrastructure.

Daniel Heathcote, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes South West, said the plans were built around the principle of "creating a sense of place."

"We are very pleased to have reached this latest milestone. Our vision includes a neighbourhood centre, schools, and green space alongside high-quality homes."

The expansion comes as demand for housing in the area remains high. Persimmon recently confirmed it had sold out of properties at its "Galileo" outlet in Cranbrook, with more homes expected to hit the market shortly.