Marlcombe

Marlcombe is a proposed new town in Devon, England.^[1]

Toponymy

The name was chosen through a public consultation because it was an archaic name for the area, dating back to the 17th century.^[2] Alternative proposals included Newton Clyst, Willowcrest, and Clysthope.^[3]

History

Background

There has been a housing crisis in Devon for many years due to a lack of affordable housing.^[4]^[5] In 2010, planning permission was granted for the construction of the new eco-community of Cranbrook, which saw thousands of homes built throughout the 2010s.^[6]^[7] More development has occurred in East Devon throughout the 2020s.^[8]

Initial proposals

In 2021, the leader of East Devon District Council, Paul Arnott, said the council was looking to avoid creating new towns in East Devon.^[9] The proposal for the new town properly emerged in 2023.^[10] It has been described as the new Cranbrook, another nearby new town.^[11] The name was decided by public vote.^[12] A community consultation on the proposed new town was carried out beforehand.^[13] The initial consultation saw 65% of respondents oppose the new town.^[14] East Devon District Council described it as "a self-sufficient and dynamic community with a distinctive character".^[15] The proposed site covers 500 hectares.^[16] In September 2024, two concept masterplans were made public.^[17]

Development

In September 2025, Marlcombe was named as one of 12 locations by the Labour government's New Towns Taskforce.^[18]

The town will reportedly be a standalone community rather than a commuter suburb of Exeter.^[19] This new town in East Devon, along with the new developments in Plymouth, will accommodate up to 20,000 homes.^[20] Local authorities have proposed a target of 40% affordable housing.^[21] The settlement will reportedly include new community facilities and employment opportunities.^[22] The town will be built along the banks of the River Clyst.^[23] Construction of the first homes is expected by the early 2030s.^[24] The new town will have green spaces, health facilities, schools, and cycle routes with links to the nearby Clyst Valley Regional Park.^[25] The towns infrastructure may not be provided by South West Water and will reportedly need multiple treatment plants.^[26] It will have a new town centre, shops, leisure facilities, a cemetery, a park and ride, and gypsy pitches.^[27] Around 2,500 new homes are expected by 2040.^[28]

Geography

The proposed town will be constructed between the A30 and A3052 roads, immediately south of Exeter Airport.^[29] It will border the Devon County Showground at Westpoint.^[30] Much of the land between the dual carriageways is currently used as farmland, while some parts of the site include ancient woodland.^[31]^[32] The town will be located on land between the Crealy Theme Park & Resort and the nearby Hill Barton business park.^[12] Marlcombe will be close to the villages of Clyst Honiton, Clyst St Mary, Farringdon, Sowton, and Westcott.