First turf cut today (Wednesday, June 19)

Work is under way to build East Devon’s new town, Cranbrook.

The first turf of the new settlement was cut today (Wednesday), marking the start of the major construction project.

Work is now in progress to deliver the access road to phase one of Cranbrook. Visitors toured the site and viewed a 3D interactive model of the whole Exeter and East Devon Growth Point Area.

Cllr Paul Diviani, Leader of East Devon District Council said: “This is a real red letter day for Exeter and East Devon.

“It signals a massive investment and vote of confidence in the future economy of this wonderful area, offering hope to our many families who need homes and jobs in the district. It also represents the successful outcome of a long-standing partnership of local authorities, other public bodies and the private sector in bringing forward a scheme of such magnitude and vision in what continues to be such a difficult economic environment.”

Steve Jackson, who has worked closely with the consortium and Local Authority partners on developing the investment package, said: “A broad range of partners from both public and private sectors have come together to really add value to the Cranbrook project, and are creating a high quality new and distinctive place that people will choose to live and work in. “It is really excellent to be here on site to see this important step in the first phase of the development, which includes a range of high quality new housing, including 300 affordable homes, with attractive streets and green spaces, close to new job opportunities. I look forward to welcoming the first residents into their new homes next year.”

Ian Piper, the South West Regional Development Agency’s Director of Development and Regeneration, said: “I am delighted to see the start of the Cranbrook new community which represents the culmination of years of partnership working. Cranbrook will set new standards in terms of environmental performance and help to promote more sustainable ways of living.

“By deploying the Regional Infrastructure Fund alongside the RDA‟s major investments in the nearby Exeter Science Park and Flybe Training Academy, future residents of Cranbrook will have the opportunity to both live and work in the same area.

“This will help to develop the role of the Growth Point as a major economic driver for the South West and ensure the South West RDA leaves a significant legacy for the area.”

The vision for Cranbrook is to create a low carbon, new community close to skilled employment opportunities, encouraging residents to use sustainable modes of transport.

Phase one of Cranbrook will see 1,120 homes built, 300 of which will be affordable homes to be managed by Sovereign housing association and Tor Homes.

A further 100 homes will be designed to be affordable open market housing.

A range of house types will be built to meet the needs of local families. There will be a new school, community facilities, new railway station and a unique environmentally friendly district heating system.

Cranbrook will be the first free-standing new settlement in Devon since the Middle Ages.

Designed as a modern market town, services and facilities are provided within the community for residents to use. Throughout the planning stages it has been agreed that vital services are to be delivered alongside the housing.