One of the developers behind the Cranbrook expansion near Exeter has been given the thumbs up by planners to deliver the first phase of nearly 1,500 new homes.

Persimmon Homes South West received planning consent for its detailed application for the initial 366 properties – and the access and design for 55 self-build plots – in the East Devon new town.

The scheme will deliver up to 1,435 new dwellings after it already received outline planning permission 18 months ago.

They will be built under the Persimmon Homes, Charles Church, and Westbury partnership banners. Up to 196 of homes will be reserved for local people via housing associations.

The ambitious plans also include a Neighbourhood Centre, 630-place primary school, 60-place Special Educational Needs school, place of worship, cemetery, and over 27 hectares of open space with various recreational facilities.

It follows approval for 92 new homes near Cranbrook’s town centre and school, a scheme that will incorporate biodiversity features such as animal boxes and hedgehog highways, alongside new public open space and tree planting to create an attractive, green residential environment.

The Cranbrook Plan was adopted by the Council in October 2022 and sets out how the town will grow to accommodate around 20,000 people, ensuring it has the facilities and services needed to make it a thriving place to live. The Plan also requires low-carbon development and financial contributions towards key local infrastructure.

Persimmon recently sold out its properties at the latest phase of its Galileo outlet at Cranbrook. More homes will be coming to market soon at this popular site. The housebuilder also has homes available at Ashworth Place in nearby Tithebarn, with prices starting from £239,995.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes South West Managing Director Daniel Heathcote, said “We are very pleased to have reached this latest milestone in delivering hundreds of new homes for people in Devon through this resolution to grant planning permission for our first phase of the Cranbrook Expansion Plan.

“Our plans for Cranbrook are built around the principle of creating a sense of place which is why, alongside high-quality homes, our vision includes a neighbourhood centre, schools, green space, and other public amenities.

“We look forward to working with East Devon District Council so we can start delivering these much-needed new homes.”