Developers report an ‘unprecedented demand’ for homes as the first show homes go on display.

Thousands of people – including perspective residents – came out in force to take at look at the first show homes at Cranbrook.

Developers at the site reported an ‘unprecedented demand’ for homes with some house hunters arriving at 6am to be the first to explore the show homes.

The homes will have a eco-friendly district heating and hot water system, a new primary school and community building as well as a country park and a new train station.

East Devon District Council leader, Councillor Paul Diviani said: “Long in gestation, the new town of Cranbrook is fast taking shape with our partners’ launch of the first homes attracting substantial interest from local people wanting to live and work locally.

“This tangible demonstration of confidence in East Devon’s new town will make immediate inroads into the known demand for new housing in both Exeter and East Devon.

“Especially in these trying times, this is a success story without equal and a new jewel to add to the brilliant crown that is Exeter and the heart of Devon.

“New homes for the next generations coupled with new jobs will be the enduring legacy of the many, present and past, who have striven long and hard to deliver this vision for the future.”

Work on the new homes and infrastructure to support the project have been supported with investment of �16.6m from the Homes and Communities Agency, which will see the first 300 built and support the delivery of around 1,100 in total.

Cranbrook’s new school, St Martin’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery, is set to open in September and will be the home of pupils currently attending Clyst Honiton Primary School.