District planners are forging ahead with building a new town in East Devon, vowing the development will be infrastructure-first, and shaped by local people, not ‘distant decision makers’.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) on Wednesday (April 1) said it was ‘committed’ to building Marlcombe, a new town neighbouring Farringdon and Westpoint, designed for 25,000 residents.
The council promised the new town’s infrastructure – schools, transport connections, healthcare, green space and essential community facilities – would come first, ‘from day one’.
Marlcombe was in September 2025 one of 12 locations shortlisted by the government’s New Towns Taskforce pledge to build more homes in the UK, but the East Devon site failed to be named one of the seven key new town development areas.
EDDC said the location was ‘acknowledged as being a credible development opportunity and there are ongoing discussions to agree a package of support.’
This week district planners backed recommendations to support building the new town, which EDDC said showed its ‘determination to keep Marlcombe on track’.
A map shows the location of the proposed new town of Marlcombe, in East Devon, would neighbour the village of Farringdon and back onto Westpoint.
Image: EDDC.
Councillor Todd Olive, EDDC portfolio holder for place, infrastructure and strategic planning, said: “The government’s decision not to support our bid was deeply disappointing, but it hasn’t changed our ambition or our responsibility to deliver a well-planned, sustainable new community for East Devon.
“This is an important step towards establishing a powerful delivery vehicle that will allow us to take a more proactive, coordinated approach—ensuring that infrastructure comes first, design quality is protected, and the benefits of growth are felt by existing communities as well as future residents. Marlcombe remains a critical part of East Devon’s future, and today’s decision ensures progress continues at pace.”
A report to the council’s cabinet outlined ‘key governance structures and partnership arrangements’, setting out an expectation of forming ‘a locally led development corporation’, which could point to East Devon construction firms being in the frame to build the new town.
If the new town gets the go-ahead, construction is expected to be a joint effort by the district and county councils, who will work together on a more detailed design.
Further reports are expected later this year once ‘key stages’ are reached, EDDC said.
Councillor Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council leader, said: “While the recent news from government was frustrating, we remain absolutely committed to delivering Marlcombe in a way that reflects East Devon’s values: high-quality placemaking, fairness for existing communities and long-term stewardship of the area.
“By establishing a delivery vehicle, we are taking control of Marlcombe’s future and ensuring that local people—and not distant decision makers—shape how our new town grows.
“This is about building the right homes in the right place, supported by the infrastructure people need from day one. This decision shows that East Devon is still moving forward, still planning for the future, and still determined to deliver for our district.”
The map shows the new town of Marlcombe, proposed for East Devon.
Image: EDDC.
