The Cranbrook New Community Partners, Hallam Land Management, Taylor-Wimpey, Persimmon Homes and Redrow Homes, have confirmed that they are pleased and encouraged by the positive ongoing negotiations and dialogue with EDDC, DCC, the Growth Point Board and

The Cranbrook New Community Partners, Hallam Land Management, Taylor-Wimpey, Persimmon Homes and Redrow Homes, have confirmed that they are pleased and encouraged by the positive ongoing negotiations and dialogue with EDDC, DCC, the Growth Point Board and the South West RDA to the extent that a successful conclusion to the position could well see a commencement of primary infrastructure works later this year and housebuilding operations on-site during 2010.

Nick Duckworth, of Hallam Land, said: "It has been a long road and there remain a number of bridges yet to cross. However, if the current positive and constructive approach is maintained by all parties we should reach agreement in the very near future and we will be delighted to see this major scheme move forward even against a back-drop of this very challenging period."

Simon Perks, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes, remarked: "It is testimony to the commitment of all parties that a way through is close to being found. We are pleased too that development remains comprehensive and will deliver all of the elements of the planning package including, schools, affordable housing, public open space, the neighbourhood and town centres, etc. We look forward to the prospect of delivering much needed housing in the East of Exeter expansion area."

The early-day infrastructure will include the provision of the Clyst Honiton By-pass and access to the proposed new station at Cranbrook. Similarly the new residents will benefit from the rapid delivery of the neighbourhood centre providing complementary amenities of a community centre, possible temporary doctor's surgery facility, primary school and a number of retail units.

At the heart of the discussions between the Development Consortium and the local authorities has been the desire to ensure that the development agreement, negotiated over several years, remains intact and that none of the key elements and provisions, from affordable housing to sustainability, are lost as a result of the current difficult economic conditions. As negotiations draw to an anticipated successful conclusion it looks more than likely that this objective will be achieved.

Getting Cranbrook started in the immediate future will not just be about the housing development. In fact the key elements of the early-day infrastructure will not only create jobs within the local construction economy, but will also assist in bringing forward the further developments of Skypark Business District, the Intermodal Rail Freight Facility and Distribution Centre, Expansion of Exeter International Airport and Exeter Science Park.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Chair of Exeter and East Devon New Growth Point Board added, "that the delivery of early-day infrastructure would allow these complementary projects East of Exeter to proceed on schedule. This progress is testement to the determination of all parties on the Board to delvier a holistic vision for Exeter and East Devon, which incudes not just the delivery of the new community, but a well connected, selfsufficient new community together with skilled employment opportunities."

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