New homes and school planned for Exeter area

Work has begun on a major new housing development on the north-eastern edge of Crediton, with Bellway breaking ground at the Libbets Grange site.

The development, located at Creedy Bridge on land north of Old Tiverton Road and Exhibition Road, will provide 257 homes, public open space, and land for a new primary school, as well as the relocation of Crediton Rugby Club.

Mid Devon District Council approved plans for the scheme in November last year. Of the new homes, 201 will be for private sale, while 56 will be designated as affordable housing for low-cost rent or shared ownership.

Tim Lund, Sales Director for Bellway South West, said: “Libbets Grange will be an attractive development with large areas of public open space, situated in a sustainable location on the edge of town and just over a mile from Crediton High Street. The development will offer a range of two to five-bedroom homes for the private market, as well as much-needed affordable homes for local people, including one-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom houses.

“With easy access to the A377, Libbets Grange will also benefit from excellent road links to Exeter. In line with our commitment to sustainable practices, the development will feature electric vehicle charging points and cycle storage to encourage eco-friendly modes of transport.”

As part of the plans, Bellway is setting aside 2.7 acres for a new primary school and a further 21 acres in the north-east section of the site for the relocation of Crediton Rugby Club.

The developer has also committed to contributing more than £2 million to local services under a planning agreement. This includes £856,663 for primary education and £675,000 to improve bus services in the area.

“At Bellway, we are committed to delivering developments which provide not only new homes but also bring benefits to the wider community,” added Tim Lund. “In addition to funding vital local services and setting aside land for a new school and the rugby club, we will be creating two large areas of public open space at Libbets Grange. These will feature children’s play areas, footpaths and cycleways, as well as wildflower-rich grassland and native woodland belts to improve biodiversity.”

Construction is now in full swing, with the first homes expected to hit the market in May.