Residents of Devon’s newest town could be nearing the end of a long wait for major facilities as triple-pronged plans for a leisure centre, shops and a possible fire station have been lodged.
Cranbrook’s residents have frequently complained about the lack of facilities in the town, with its first supermarket only opening at the end of 2024, more than a decade after some of the first homes were occupied.
But now wide-ranging plans have been submitted for a trio of sites on land south of Tillbrook Road.
The first would is for a proposed leisure centre, with 25-metre swimming pool, learner pool, fitness suite, studios, library, community and clinical spaces, cafe and soft-play facilities.
A second site has been identified for a neighbourhood health centre, while the third would be for more shops, as well as an “emergency services facility”, including a potential fire and rescue service provision.
The pressure for more services in Cranbrook is rising, given estimates by East Devon District Council that the town’s population will exceed 20,000 once future phases of housing development are completed.
The council’s planning committee will be deciding on the outcome of the application next week (Tuesday 6 October), and officers have recommended approval with conditions.
Cranbrook Town Council has welcomed the plans, but proposed some tweaks, including objections to the potential commercial space given nearby availability at Sky Park and Westan Road, and called for more parking to be included as part of the development.
It also requested Crannaford Lane be “significantly upgraded” if it is to be used as an access route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Councillor Kim Bloxham (Cranbrook, Independent), one of Cranbrook’s three district councillors, agreed that the proposed commercial use was unsuitable for the town because it “allows for light industrial units which I feel are inappropriate”.
She also echoed parking concerns.
“If the leisure centre is to serve Cranbrook, the surrounding parishes/villages, and residents from the second new community [Marlcombe] then parking must be considered,” she said.
“Public transport isn’t developing and providing connectivity between the new community and the surrounding villages, therefore the car will be used as a mode of transport.”
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