THE PROPOSAL BY THE EAST DEVON NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The scale of the challenge of creating a new town Cranbrook Town Centre in 2020 is fully recognised by all involved. The Devon new towns of the Middle Ages evolved organically over almost a millennium into successful service centres for significant rural hinterlands. Cranbrook town centre will be built in a brief moment in time, endeavouring to meet the needs of ever-evolving 21st century lifestyles.

CIVIC & COMMUNITY BUILDINGS, SHOPS, RESTAURANTS & LIVING

The outline planning consent for Cranbrook required the development partners to provide a number of town centre facilities at this stage in the development and some such as the library and youth centre in 5-7 years time.

After working in partnership with EDDC, DCC and the Cranbrook Town Council, locations for all these community uses have now been agreed and are shown on the plan below. The proposal is to bring forward all of the obligated community facilities now. The partners are also required to deliver some retail but the proposal is to deliver the required floorspace and more, comprising a supermarket, extra shops along the high street, and a nursery.

MOVEMENT AROUND THE TOWN CENTRE

The town centre is located on Tillhouse Road, the primary movement route through the town with direct and safe pedestrian and cycle routes from all sides to encourage access by foot, bicycle and bus as well as cars. A central car park will serve the foodstore but will have good pedestrian links to all the surrounding town centre facilities to encourage linked trips by foot wherever possible.

THE HIGH STREET & THE TOWN SQUARE

The focus of all the key community, civic and retail uses around the High Street section of Tillhouse Road will ensure the creation of a vibrant and social heart for the town.

THE TOWN SQUARE

A town square will be located in the centre of Tillhouse Road providing a space for gathering, town events and a market. Shop units will be located around it on the southern side providing opportunities for cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. The Town Hall is proposed to be located on the northern side of the square with a further space for gathering and events.

URBAN LIVING

In addition to apartments proposed above the shops on Tillhouse Road, further apartments and houses are proposed within and on the edges of the town centre.