East Devon pushes forward with Marlcombe new community

East Devon District Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a new community at Marlcombe. The new town is expected to grow to around 25,000 residents, who will need to be supported by a wide range of services and employment opportunities. 

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a new community at Marlcombe. The new town is expected to grow to around 25,000 residents, who will need to be supported by a wide range of services and employment opportunities. 

The report to the Council’s Cabinet outlines key governance structures and partnership arrangements designed to ensure an exemplar development can come forward.   The report explains how a new approach will underpin high-quality, comprehensive development of the new community and secure the best long-term outcomes for residents and businesses. This work is expected to culminate in the establishment of a locally led development corporation.  

On 1 April 2026, Cabinet endorsed key recommendations designed to support the prompt, coordinated and effective delivery of Marlcombe  and the wider growth corridor. The move signals EDDC’s determination to keep Marlcombe on track, ensuring that the new town is planned and delivered in an infrastructure first way—prioritising schools, transport connections, healthcare, green space and essential community facilities from the outset. 

In September 2025, Marlcombe was one of twelve locations shortlisted by the New Towns Taskforce.  Subsequently on 23 March 2026, the Government launched a consultation on the Draft New Towns Programme which narrowed this list down to seven.  Whilst Marlcombe is not one of the seven priority areas, it is acknowledged as being a credible development opportunity and there are ongoing discussions to agree a package of support.    

Cllr Todd Olive, Portfolio Holder for Place, Infrastructure and Strategic Planning, said: 

“Cabinet’s decision today gives us the tools we need to move Marlcombe forward with confidence and purpose. 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.” 

Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, 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. Today’s decision shows that East Devon is still moving forward, still planning for the future, and still determined to deliver for our district.” 

Next steps 

As the delivery vehicle is expected to be overseen jointly by EDDC and Devon County Council (DCC), a similar report will also be considered by DCC Cabinet on 8 April 2026.   

If approved by EDDC and DCC, the delivery vehicle will enable work to progress on detailed design of the governance arrangements and to help to ensure that robust, long-term partnerships are built.  Further reports will be brought back to Cabinet later this year as the next key stages are reached. 

For more information about Marlcombe, visit: eastdevon.gov.uk/marlcombe