The brand new UK town with 8,000 homes, schools and airport

A brand new seaside town of 8,000 new homes has been provisionally approved for one of the UK's most popular holiday counties.

The "climate-resilient town", which has been named by the general public, will consist of 40% affordable housing with the new of new homes potentially rising to 10,000, with the aim of tackling the housing crisis among young people in particular in this hugely popular area.

Planners say the emphasis will be on walkable streets, accessible public spaces, and strong integration with the surrounding natural environment. The region boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK.

Essential services and amenities such as schools, GP surgeries, shops, community hubs, and wastewater treatment will be delivered in step with the new housing according to local planners  to make sure residents are supported by vital services as they are needed. They promise a suitable delivery vehicle will be formed to ensure that this happens, so that it is not left to developers.

Sustainable transport options, including cycleways, pedestrian routes and public transport connections will be built to encourage people to travel other than by car, alongside road and junction upgrades to make sure traffic can continue to flow.

Close links to employment opportunities in the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone including at Exeter Airport, Skypark, Exeter Science Park, Hill Barton Business Park, and into Exeter will be forged.

New affordable homes in this part of the UK are much needed. Average house prices in East Devon are higher than the national average, with data for late 2025 showing figures around £336,00 to £347,000 for mortgaged properties compared to a Great Britain average of roughly £279,000. East Devon remains one of the more expensive areas in the entire south west region. 

Back in September the proposed new town to help tackle the affordable housing shortage was named by the public as Marlcombe. More than 1,600 members of the public took part in the vote where they chose from four options for the project on the edge of Exeter between Crealy theme park and Exeter Airport.

The name of Marlcombe came out on top with 930 votes, with Newton Clyst coming in second, Willowcrest in third place and Clysthope coming in last. The name Marlcombe first appeared on 17th-century tithe maps describing part of this exact site. Restoring it brings back an authentic local place name, giving the town a strong identity rooted in its history while looking to the future.

Located between the A30 and A3052, immediately south of Exeter Airport, the site is close to the Clyst Valley Regional Park.

Further consultation and engagement with the community and stakeholders over Marlcombe is planned for later this year. 

Councillor Todd Olive, Portfolio Holder for Place, Infrastructure & Strategic Planning, East Devon District Council, said: “We are enormously proud that Marlcombe has been selected. This recognition reflects the hard work of the council, our partners, and the community vision that has shaped the project, and is a resounding endorsement of this council’s vision for Marlcombe and its ability to deliver on that vision.

“Marlcombe presents an opportunity to create a strong community, supported by improved  infrastructure. It will not just be a collection of houses, but a vibrant, resilient, and well-connected town that champions innovation and sustainability, with a distinct identity and sense of place.

The new town is a vital part of East Devon’s ambitious plans to create a self-sufficient community, complete with new homes, schools, green spaces, sports facilities, and job opportunities.