Plan to improve services at Devon's newest town

Residents of Devon's newest town could be nearing the end of a long wait for major facilities as plans have been revealed for a leisure centre, shops and a fire station.

Cranbrook's first supermarket open at the end of 2024, more than a decade after some of the first homes were occupied, but now wide-ranging plans have been submitted for three sites on land south of Tillbrook Road.

Cranbrook Town Council said it welcomed the plans, but had proposed some tweaks.

The council's planning committee is due to decide the outcome of the application on Tuesday and officers have recommended approval with conditions.

The proposals for the first site are for a leisure centre including a 25m (82ft) swimming pool, learner pool, fitness suite, studios, library, community and clinical spaces, cafe and soft-play facilities.

A second site was identified for a neighbourhood health centre, while the third would be for more shops, as well as an "emergency services facility", including a potential fire and rescue service provision, Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

East Devon District Council has estimated the town's population will exceed 20,000 once future phases of housing development are completed, increasing the need for more services.

Cranbrook Town Council proposed objections to the potential commercial space given nearby availability at Sky Park and Westan Road and called for more parking to be included as part of the development.

It also requested Crannaford Lane be "significantly upgraded" if it is to be used as an access route for pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillor Kim Bloxham agreed the proposed commercial use was unsuitable for the town because it "allows for light industrial units which I feel are inappropriate" and also expressed concerns around parking.

She added: "If the leisure centre is to serve Cranbrook, the surrounding parishes and villages, and residents from the second new community [Marlcombe] then parking must be considered.

"Public transport isn't developing and providing connectivity between the new community and the surrounding villages, therefore the car will be used as a mode of transport."

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