New town masterplan could exclude SWW

Plans for East Devon’s major second new community, Marlcombe, could see the 8,000-home development shun South West Water in favour of an alternative water and sewage provider.

The new town, to be built between Exeter Airport and Crealy Adventure Park, has been named following a public vote.

Planners say their focus is on ensuring infrastructure arrives early, to avoid the problems seen in nearby Cranbrook where, despite early wins like schools opening quickly, other amenities lagged years behind.

Councillor Todd Olive, East Devon’s cabinet member for place, infrastructure and strategic planning, said the authority was determined not to repeat those mistakes.

“Speaking for the administration, we don’t trust South West Water to deliver the relevant infrastructure, and certainly not in time for the second new community,” he said.

“We need a strategy that makes sure the sewage will be dealt with and not dumped on beaches.”

South West Water insists it can meet the challenge. Ian Lake, head of solution development and technical performance, said the company had been working with the council “for a number of months” and was confident it could deliver the necessary systems.

The council believes Marlcombe could need around ten treatment plants and is exploring options, including bringing in another company or even creating a new “Marlcombe Drainage Co” under its proposed delivery vehicle.

East Devon’s approach is not to build homes itself but to work with landowners and developers to ensure infrastructure is tied to housing delivery. Cllr Olive pointed to Cranbrook securing £100 million for projects including its railway station, and said Marlcombe could unlock similar investment – from upgrades to the A30 and A3052, to new passing loops on the West of England mainline to improve train services.

A masterplan for Marlcombe is due in October, with a development corporation targeted for 2027.