First expansion of Cranbrook gets green light

South West region have been granted planning permission for the first expansion of Cranbrook, the largest planning permission issued by East Devon District Council since the new town was given the initial green light over 13 years ago.

Now that the Section 106 agreement between the region and the local authority has been signed, this permission will contribute more than £4 million towards projects including a new health and wellbeing centre, leisure centre, fire station and improvements to London Road to make it more suitable for people walking and cycling.

The expansion allows for up to 1,435 high-quality homes to be built by the five-star builder. There will be a new three form entry primary school, a special educational needs school, a neighbourhood centre, land for a place of worship, a vicarage, and a cemetery as part of the scheme. The plans also include play areas, allotments, and large areas of green space.

The Cranbrook Plan was adopted in October 2022 and it guides how the town will accommodate a population of around 20,000 people. It ensures the town has the facilities and services needed to make it a great place to live. The Plan also requires low carbon development and to make financial contributions to important Cranbrook facilities.

The planning permission is important for a much-needed, new special educational needs school. Devon County Council has been successful in a bid to the Department for Education for funding to build and open the new special educations needs school on this site.

Three other planning applications for Cranbrook’s expansion are likely to see a further 2,085 homes along with another primary school, sports pitches, open space, play areas, allotments and neighbourhood centres. These planning applications will be issued when legal agreements are finalised.

Daniel Heathcote, Persimmon Homes’ South West Managing Director, said:

“We’re delighted to have secured outline planning permission for our scheme at Cranbrook Cobdens.

“Throughout the planning process for Cranbrook Cobdens, we have worked closely with officers and stakeholders at East Devon District Council to ensure that our homes complement and enhance the local area.

“Persimmon has a proud record of delivery in Cranbrook and we are excited about the newest scheme as we continue to build the high-quality homes, leaving a positive and lasting legacy.”

Ed Freeman, Assistant Director for Planning Strategy and Development Management, said:

“We are really pleased to see this planning permission issued. It will provide much-needed homes for people in East Devon as well as important facilities such as new schools, shops and play areas for the Cranbrook community. We look forward to seeing the town continue to grow, bolstering the strong sense of community that Cranbrook has fostered over the past 11 years.”