Planning permission unlocks huge cash investment in new town.

WORK on the first phase of Cranbrook, East Devon’s new town, will begin in weeks.

Planning approval for 1,120 homes, which will be developed on land off Honiton Road, in Rockbeare, was granted yesterday (Tuesday), unlocking a massive �16.6m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The cash will secure the development of 300 affordable homes and allow work on the town’s infrastucture to get under way.

HCA is investing a total of more than �33.5m in the wider Cranbrook project and the level of public sector funding for the scheme is around �56m.

Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey, Redrow and Hallam Land are poised to begin the development within weeks.

Steve Jackson, HCA area manager, who has worked closely with the consortium and local authority partners on developing the investment package, said: “Cranbrook is one of the most important housing and employment projects in the South West and is rightly recognised as a top priority by the council.

“It has taken a number of years and a huge amount of effort from all of the partners to get to this stage. During that time, no-one has lost sight of the importance of this project and its potential to deliver much-needed new and affordable homes.

“Cranbrook will be a high quality mixed-use settlement, close to new employment opportunities and will support local economic growth.

“I am delighted at the decision to approve the scheme, and look forward to seeing work start on the development of the first homes.”

The affordable homes will be jointly managed by Sovereign Housing Group and Devon and Cornwall Housing Association.