Work can begin within weeks on the first phase of Cranbrook, East Devon's New Community, now that plans have been approved by local councillors.

The approval unlocks a £16.6 million investment in the project from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), bringing with it a massive boost for much needed affordable housing in the area.

The detailed designs for the first 1,120 homes on the approved site off Honiton Road, Rockbeare, were given the go ahead. The project already has outline planning permission that was granted following the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement, signed by all the public and private sector partners involved, which will ensure the delivery of vital social and community and transport infrastructure during the early stages of the project.

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At the meeting of East Devon District Council's Development Management Committee, members approved a planning application for the first phase of the development. The application features site layout, construction details, external appearance and landscaping including new road connections into the site from the former A30.

As a result of the decision, the HCA has approved investment of £16.6m in the delivery of 300 affordable homes and infrastructure work which will support the wider development of a further 700 private homes to be sold on the open market. The decision takes the total amount of money invested by the HCA in the wider Cranbrook development to more than £33.5m and the level of public sector funding in the scheme to around £56m.

It allows developer partners Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey, Redrow and Hallam Land to begin the development within weeks. It also helps improve access to affordable housing in East Devon, where statistics show that house prices are more than 12 times the average household income for the area.

Phase one of Cranbrook will create 300 affordable homes in a range of house types to meet the needs of local families.

(CD/GK)