Cullompton’s much-anticipated Garden Village is steadily transforming from blueprint to reality, promising thousands of new homes, enhanced sporting facilities, and significant transport improvements. As one of Mid Devon’s most ambitious developments in recent decades, the project aims to create a vibrant, sustainable community integrated with the town’s existing infrastructure.
Construction on the relief road is slated to start next year, but the Garden Village’s full potential depends on securing government funding for a vital upgrade of Junction 28 on the M5 motorway. This improvement is crucial to accommodate increased traffic generated by the planned new housing and prevent congestion bottlenecks.
At a recent Cullompton Town Council meeting, senior Mid Devon District Council officials outlined a detailed plan that could deliver up to 5,000 homes, alongside employment spaces, community centers, and expansive green infrastructure. The initial phase, focusing mainly north of Fordmore Farm, already enjoys policy support in the council’s adopted local plan.
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Paul Brockway, a delivery advisor for the district, highlighted designated expansion areas including East and North West Cullompton, noting that parts of the latter are already under development. “Cullompton is a key focus for growth within Mid Devon,” he told councillors. He emphasized ongoing efforts to address essential infrastructure and design frameworks.
The council is working on a comprehensive masterplan, design standards, and phased delivery strategies to ensure the Garden Village evolves cohesively. These documents will complement multiple planning applications from developers covering the majority of the initial phase’s land, although approvals are still pending.
Brockway described the design code as a clear set of illustrated principles guiding everything from architecture to open space and pedestrian access. The vision is for three distinct neighborhoods, each with its own local hub, connected by green corridors forming a unified community.
Existing amenities like Fordmore Farm’s retail outlets will be integrated rather than removed, fostering a harmonious relationship between the new development and the established town. The masterplan also proposes enhancements to Honiton Road—running through the Garden Village—aimed at improving pedestrian safety and implementing a 30mph speed limit along its length.
While housing construction is planned over several decades, the relief road bypass, designed to ease town centre congestion, represents an immediate priority. Mid Devon’s director of place and economy, Richard Marsh, confirmed securing over £33 million from the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund to build the road. Much progress has been made in land acquisition, including a vital transaction with Tesco.
Linked to the road works, new sports facilities are underway, including a cricket ground at Horn Road with pavilion construction planned for autumn and junior football pitches expected next spring.
Devon County Council is finalizing technical designs for the relief road, with main construction due to commence in June next year and completion targeted for late 2027 or 2028.
The long-term success of the Garden Village hinges on a more complex, yet unfunded, plan to upgrade Junction 28 of the M5. This includes new south-facing slip roads to improve access and reduce congestion. Although recognized as vital, the proposal missed out on funding in the latest government spending review. Officials have been asked to carry out further work before a final decision later this year.
Marsh warned, “The junction upgrade must come first to unlock the Garden Village. Without it, the homes and associated benefits cannot move forward.” Councillor Chris Snow suggested pausing further development until junction improvements are guaranteed, hoping to prompt government action.
Concerns were also raised about potential traffic congestion on Meadow Lane caused by the relief road, which Marsh pledged to discuss with Devon County Council. Notably, the new administration appears more open to considering wider community benefits rather than narrowly focusing on transport cost-benefit analyses.
Another key transport scheme, restoring Cullompton’s railway station, has made progress despite initial funding uncertainties. Now reaffirmed, the station’s reopening will reconnect the town to the main line. Network Rail is rebuilding its team, and local MPs remain supportive. The station is already included in rail timetables, enabling immediate service once infrastructure works are complete.
Beyond housing and transport, the Garden Village plans substantial investment in sporting and recreational spaces. Approximately nine hectares will be dedicated to parks and sports facilities, potentially including rugby, hockey, and tennis, linked by green pathways serving as wildlife corridors and flood management features.
Water elements currently seen as challenges could become environmental assets enhancing residents’ quality of life. Brockway emphasized the aim to create “a place that works for people,” focusing on details such as pedestrian routes and local retail provision to foster a thriving community, not just housing.
In the near term, the council will continue processing planning applications, refining design frameworks, and pursuing government funding for the motorway upgrade. Securing financial backing for Junction 28 will be pivotal for the Garden Village to proceed on schedule.
Richard Marsh summarized the essential case for the upgrade: “This is about much more than a road. It’s about alleviating traffic, improving air quality, enabling growth, and delivering widespread community benefits.”
Cullompton’s transformation is underway, with the relief road funding in place, railway station progress confirmed, and initial housing underway. The ultimate success of the Garden Village now hinges largely on critical decisions in Westminster in the coming months.