Government grants £32m for Sherford new town

The BBC has revealed that the government will provide a £32m grant for the building of Sherford new town near Plymouth.

The project which was initiated 15 years ago and granted planning permission by South Hams District Council in 2011 and is backed by Plymouth City Council, had stalled pending a decision about its viability in the current economic climate. The government's grant should now enable work to begin on the town which is expected to provide 5,500 new homes and 5,000 new jobs.

The developers Red Tree have set out the plans for the environmentally sustainable town on their website. They include three primary schools, a secondary school, a health centre, retail and business areas, a community park, and two wind turbines.

Red Tree describe their vision for the project on the website: "Sherford not only aims to enhance its beautiful natural setting but also to become a model for town planning in the 21st century."

The new town which is situated between Plympton and Plymstock, near the Elburton area of Plymouth, has faced local opposition from those opposed to building on the green field sites. Concerns focus on the impact on the area, on farming and on the necessary road infrastructure which raises fears of increased traffic and significant disruption during the town's construction stage.

But supporters of the plan have stressed the increasing need for new homes and local facilities for families and say the impact on the countryside will be contained between existing urban communities.

The local MP Gary Streeter has given his backing to the project.