Could Mid Devon be home to a new town?

A report from development experts who now run a think-tank believe so

Mid Devon has been identified as a prime location for a new town.

The district is one of the highest ranked in the country as being a suitable location for a new settlement, according to a report.

WPI Strategy, run by two former civil servants with experience in local planning and economic growth, believes two areas in particular in the district could be a compelling location for a new town.

“Mid Devon is slightly further from [Exeter] but there are two rail lines running through it (to and from Plymouth and Okehampton), so places like Tiverton Parkway or Crediton could be possible,” it said.

The report said Mid Devon features in the top 30 places for a new town in all six of its scenarios, which include zero, partial and full green belt development.

The area had 55 per cent support for a new development from local residents, ranking it eighth out of the report’s 12 areas it thought should be designated as places for new towns.

The analysis comes as the district is already planning homes in north west Cullompton as well as around 5,000 at the forthcoming Culm Garden Village.

Mid Devon co-produced a report last year with Exeter City Council, East Devon District Council and Teignbridge District Council, as well as Devon County Council, to create a joint growth strategy.

That report, called Our Shared Coordinates, referenced areas for housing growth, mainly focused in and around Exeter but also mentioning the Tiverton urban extension.

A spokesperson for Mid Devon District Council said its adopted local plan guides development in the district until 2033, adding that its main aspiration is around developing Culm Garden Village, which alongside the thousands of homes aims to bring additional jobs, community facilities and transport links.

“This [WPI Strategy] report is not linked to the council and is not part of our strategy or future plans. However it is good that others also recognise the opportunity to deliver significant numbers of new homes within Mid Devon and the need for significant funding to deliver the supporting infrastructure required to unlock and enable the timely delivery of these new homes,” the spokesperson said.

“Mid Devon District Council will continue to work and lobby to secure government funding to deliver the infrastructure required to unlock this growth and realise our vision for sustainable growth – including Cullompton [railway] station and the upgrading of J28 of the M5 – and will continue to seek to support the Government in realising its ambitious housing delivery targets.”