The government’s announcement this week that the proposed new town of Marlcombe in East Devon is not on its shortlist of those likely to proceed will come as a big relief to the local community, which has long opposed the controversial scheme. Devon CPRE has always been concerned about the loss of some 500 hectares, primarily farmland and some ancient woodland, arguing that we need productive farmland now more than ever to ensure greater food security. However, it’s too soon to celebrate.
While the government’s list of the seven proposed new towns going forward for public consultation rules out any in Devon being considered for the time being, designating Marlcombe as a “development opportunity” with no infrastructure requirements is deeply concerning, and we need to wait for further clarification to better understand whether this is just a temporary reprieve.
Both East Devon District Council and Devon County Council are challenging the government’s decision not to select Marlcombe for the next phase of the national New Towns programme. Marlcombe now falls back into Cranbrook territory, with no government money or planning and design oversight, and could lead to haphazard development without the necessary infrastructure in place from the beginning. The government’s decision potentially leaves the Sword of Damocles hanging over the Marlcombe scheme.
Devon CPRE will be keeping a close eye on developments and urges people to take part in the public consultation launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, where they can find out more and submit their views:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/new-towns-draft-programme/new-towns-draft-programme
The consultation is live until 19 May 2026.