Major new family hub approved for fast-growing town near Exeter

Plans for a new family-focused community space in Devon’s 'youngest town' have been approved, paving the way for an integrated hub combining children’s services and public health nursing.

The scheme, given the go-ahead by Devon County Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday, October 8, will see up to £3 million of developer contributions used to create the new facilities within East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) planned Cranbrook Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Campus.

The aim is to bring a range of family services together under one roof, offering easier access and a more welcoming environment for local residents.

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Cranbrook, the county’s newest town, has one of the youngest populations in Devon, with around 30 per cent of residents under 16. The population is set to rise from about 3,300 homes to 8,000, creating growing demand for early years, youth and family support.

The leisure campus will also include a separate neighbourhood health centre, with EDDC due to consider the overall project later this month. A planning application is expected in summer 2026.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, said: “Cranbrook is growing fast, and so is the need for spaces that support families. Creating a flexible, welcoming area within the Cranbrook Leisure Campus offers a great opportunity to meet that need. By placing it alongside other well-used community services, we can help make support for children and families feel more natural and less stigmatised - just part of everyday life in a thriving new town.”

Councillor Paul Arnott, the Leader of EDDC and the Deputy Leader of DCC, said: “This announcement from Devon County Council is a welcome addition to our exciting plans to deliver wellbeing and leisure facilities in Cranbrook, so that together we can continue to support and meet the needs of our residents.”

Councillor Kevin Blakey, Vice Chairman of Cranbrook Town Council, added: “We are delighted to see this collaborative approach to creating spaces that support the health and wellbeing of our growing community. We really appreciate this investment in Cranbrook, which will bring vital services for residents and strengthen our town as a great place to live.”