New schemes a boost for housing and jobs in Devon

The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed funding for two major projects in Devon.

£9 million in total will help fund £15m of improvements in the key development sites, Sherford and east of Exeter.

In Sherford, the £5 million fund plus £3 million developer contributions will deliver a proposed new spine road, bus route and segregated walking and cycling route for the new community.

The route will provide the main access to the community from the A38, unlocking up to 4,200 new homes and 83,000 square metres of employment space.

And east of Exeter, the continuing growth and development will receive a £4 million boost, which with £3 million developer contributions will deliver improvements to Moor Lane junction to provide more capacity for traffic using the A30 and from Sowton Industrial estate; extension of the higher quality cycle routes into the city; an additional multi-use car park at the Science Park; plus extension of the electric bike scheme.

The news has been welcomed by Devon County Council, which put in the bids for the DfT funding.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste, said: "This is great news for Devon.  Great for Devon residents, and great for Devon businesses.  

"The £9 million will bring with it improvements in Exeter, and much needed access, and High Street, to the new town of Sherford.  Both schemes will be a boost for new housing, jobs and connectivity in Devon."