Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark visited Cranbrook in East Devon this week to see the incredible progress being made at one of the country’s fastest-growing new communities.
Cranbrook, near Exeter, is one of the largest housing and employment developments in the country.
The HCA has invested over £43 million in the new community, which will create over 6,500 new homes, alongside new schools, community buildings, sports facilities, a new high street and a railway station.
Surrounding employment space will support around 6,000 new jobs, creating a place to live and work for generations to come.
Greg Clark met residents Georgia and James Brand, who moved to Cranbrook after living in a “cramped” one bedroom flat in Exeter with their two sons. They were able to buy their house in Cranbrook through a shared ownership scheme with Devon and Cornwall Homes.
Georgia said: “The boys are doing really well here. Two of us were sleeping on a sofa in an old flat... this house makes our life so much easier. I think we will be here for a long time to come.”
Cranbrook is a fantastic example of community-led development. Thanks to Local Infrastructure Funding, the local primary school was able to open in 2012 - when only a handful of homes had been completed. This attracted families to Cranbrook, safe in the knowledge that their children would get an education close to home.
Building is happening at pace, with over 1000 homes completed in just 3 years. Visiting one of the building sites, Greg Clark also met and spoke with apprentices who are currently training at local Exeter College.
He was also keen to hear feedback from local partners, to find out what the rest of the sector can learn from successful large-scale developments like Cranbrook.
Greg Clark told us: "I am pleased to have seen for myself how the collaboration of councils, housing associations, developers and residents has helped create a vibrant new community at Cranbrook.
"What were just blueprints a few short years ago are being transformed, delivering 6,500 new homes, as well as schools, shops and a transport network.
We're determined to keep the country building and maintain the momentum that has seen housing completions reach a six-year high and I want to see communities across the country to see what they can learn from this development."
Photo credit: James Millar