Funding to acquire land in Cranbrook Town Centre for a new community building which will deliver our services to local residents has been approved.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) has approved funding of up to £5.5 million for the acquisition of town centre land in Cranbrook, as well as approving three planning applications for a supermarket, high street shops with apartments above, a town square and a children’s day nursery – all bringing the 21st century town centre closer to a reality.
The £5.5m investment is funded by the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone from borrowing against future ring-fenced business rate income.
By securing this land, the Council can make sure that the new town centre will be able to grow and develop over time, including providing workspace to meet the needs of a growing population.
This sits alongside current plans to provide space for shops and community facilities including a children’s centre, youth centre, library, town council offices, health and wellbeing hub, a leisure centre and a skatepark.
Work on the supermarket and nursery is due to be completed by summer next year, followed soon after by the high street shops, apartments, town square and children’s day nursery.
EDDC has also agreed the process for delivering the £40 million Cranbrook Local Infrastructure Fund. This Fund will ensure that critical infrastructure, such as schools and transport improvements, can be delivered in step with new homes as the town expands to a population of around 20,000 people.
Agreement on the details underpinning these much-needed facilities for the town has been coordinated by the Cranbrook Strategic Delivery Board.
The Board is a partnership of Councillors from Cranbrook Town Council, East Devon District Council and Devon County Council who all played an important role agreeing the way forward with the developer consortium – Cranbrook New Community partners in conjunction with Henry Davidson Developments.
Cllr Dan Ledger, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Chair of Cranbrook Strategic Delivery Board, said:
“This is a monumental moment for the town where the “coming soon” notion actually becomes a reality over the next few months. Through partnership working across all levels of local authority and with the consortium of developers, Cranbrook will now finally have its much-needed centre. I couldn’t be happier for the residents.”
Cllr Les Bayliss, Chairman of Cranbrook Town Council, said:
“This long-awaited news will undoubtedly bring significant benefits to the community. For example, being able to shop locally I believe will have a positive impact on the people that live in and around Cranbrook. Not to mention the benefits locally to the environment, economy and the potential of local employment opportunities.”
Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:
“I’m delighted that Devon County Council’s Cabinet has accepted the Cranbrook New Community Partners offer of a £3 million phased contribution and a 0.4ha parcel of land in the town centre to enable the delivery of a new community building which will deliver Devon County Council services to the residents of Cranbrook.
“Cranbrook is rapidly expanding, and I have no doubt it will grow to become one of Devon’s most important towns.
“Through a productive partnership with other councils, developers and community representatives we are laying the groundwork for that future and are we are working hard to achieve a consensus for the benefit of its community.”
A spokesperson for the Cranbrook Consortium of developers said:
“The approval of plans for the town centre at Cranbrook is a hugely significant step for this growing community.
“Residents at Cranbrook already benefit from shops, a cafe, healthcare and education. The town centre will bring even more vibrancy to the neighbourhood, and we are very happy that work can now begin.”