Marlcombe
Marlcombe is a proposed new town in Devon, England.
Toponymy
The name was chosen through a public consultation because it was an archaic name for the area, dating back to the 17th century. Alternative proposals included Newton Clyst, Willowcrest, and Clysthope.History
Background
There has been a housing crisis in Devon for many years due to a lack of affordable housing. In 2010, planning permission was granted for the construction of the new eco-community of Cranbrook, which saw thousands of homes built throughout the 2010s. More development has occurred in East Devon throughout the 2020s.Initial proposals
In 2021, the leader of East Devon District Council, Paul Arnott, said the council was looking to avoid creating new towns in East Devon. The proposal for the new town properly emerged in 2023. It has been described as the new Cranbrook, another nearby new town. The name was decided by public vote. A community consultation on the proposed new town was carried out beforehand. The initial consultation saw 65% of respondents oppose the new town. East Devon District Council described it as "a self-sufficient and dynamic community with a distinctive character". The proposed site covers 500 hectares. In September 2024, two concept masterplans were made public.Development
In September 2025, Marlcombe was named as one of 12 locations by the Labour government's New Towns Taskforce.The town will reportedly be a standalone community rather than a commuter suburb of Exeter. This new town in East Devon, along with the new developments in Plymouth, will accommodate up to 20,000 homes. Local authorities have proposed a target of 40% affordable housing. The settlement will reportedly include new community facilities and employment opportunities. The town will be built along the banks of the River Clyst. Construction of the first homes is expected by the early 2030s. The new town will have green spaces, health facilities, schools, and cycle routes with links to the nearby Clyst Valley Regional Park. The towns infrastructure may not be provided by South West Water and will reportedly need multiple treatment plants. It will have a new town centre, shops, leisure facilities, a cemetery, a park and ride, and gypsy pitches. Around 2,500 new homes are expected by 2040.