Hundreds of homes planned for Newton Abbot town centre

Work has started on a ‘masterplan’ which will help deliver hundreds of new homes in the centre of Newton Abbot.

The aim is to make more use of town centre ‘brownfield’ sites as part of an overall regeneration. Previous studies on future uses of the town centre were published in 2010 and 2018.
Members of Teignbridge Council’s executive committee voted unanimously to set up a board to begin work on the plan, which could cost up to £175,000 to draw up.
A report to the executive committee explained that the project would identify ‘high-quality, sustainable housing-led regeneration opportunities’ to support economic growth, community wellbeing, and climate resilience.
Around 300 homes could be built in place of under-used public assets, increasing footfall in the town centre. A new transport hub would encourage more walking and cycling.
The town’s leisure centre in Highweek Road could be relocated.
Sites to be looked at also include the cattle market; multi-storey car park; Sherborne House; the Wilko/Post office building; Wolborough Way car park; Hopkins Lane; Bradley Lane and the station end of Queen Street.
Structural surveys will be carried out over the winter, followed by feasibility studies and consultations.
Cllr David Palethorpe (Lib Dem, Ipplepen) said it was important for the district council to work closely with Newton Abbot Town Council on the masterplan. And, he said: “This is not just about buildings. It’s about environmental issues and the cultural aspect that needs to run through everything.”
Council leader Richard Keeling (Lib Dem, Chudleigh) added: “I really welcome joint working with our biggest town and look forward to the outcome.”