The Board has been created to provide strategic leadership, bring public sector partners together and help coordinate the infrastructure, investment and planning needed to support sustainable growth. It will play a key role in making sure Marlcombe is planned as an infrastructure-first community, with transport links, schools, healthcare and green space alongside other essential services from the outset.
Marlcombe was identified by the Government’s New Towns Taskforce in September 2025 as a location which “…would capitalise on, and boost, already impressive growth in the region, with the capacity to deliver at least 10,000 homes…”. As such, it is an important part of plans for the long term prosperity of East Devon, Exeter and surrounding area. Its location alongside the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, which includes Exeter Science Park and Cranbrook, means it sits close to existing and emerging employment areas and strategic transport links, helping to support a joined-up approach to future growth across the area.
The establishment of the Board is the first stage in working towards the creation of a locally-led development corporation. This will bring together the necessary powers, resources and focus to help deliver a long term programme of development that will create a vibrant new community and a great place to live and work.
The Interim Growth Board will provide strategic leadership and alignment behind a shared vision that ensures that Marlcombe and the growth corridor is delivered as a sustainable, infrastructure-first and economically vibrant place through securing investment and ensuring coordinated action across key partners.”
The Board brings together local government, central government, Homes England and education partners to support delivery of Marlcombe and the growth corridor. It includes representatives from the following organisations;
- Local authorities – Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and Exeter City Council
- Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority
- Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group
- Homes England
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Department for Transport
The Board will be chaired by Ian Piper CBE, a resident of East Devon and former Chief Executive of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation. He said: “Marlcombe is a significant opportunity to shape a new community in a planned, coordinated and sustainable way. The Interim Growth Board will help bring together the right partners, maintain a clear long-term vision and support the delivery of infrastructure, investment and stewardship from the outset. I am pleased to chair the board and to support East Devon and its partners as this work moves forward.”
Cllr Todd Olive, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Place, Infrastructure and Strategic Planning, said: “This is an important step in moving Marlcombe forward with an absolute focus on our core purpose of delivering an infrastructure-first new community. The Interim Growth Board will help bring the right organisations around the table so we can take a coordinated approach to planning and delivery, with infrastructure, design quality and long-term stewardship at the heart of that work. Marlcombe remains a critical part of East Devon’s future, and this board will help us keep momentum behind a new community that works for both existing and future residents.”
Cllr Paul Arnott, Deputy Leader of Devon County Council, said:
“Marlcombe has the potential to play a major role in Devon’s future growth, supporting new homes, jobs and opportunities in one of the county’s most important economic areas. Devon County Council’s focus will be on ensuring that transport, education and other key services are properly considered as plans develop, so that growth is well connected and supports the needs of communities across East Devon and Exeter area. The Interim Growth Board gives us an important forum to help shape that work with partners from the start.”