Town Council to expand sports offering after developer donation

One of the developers behind the Cranbrook expansion has made a donation the Town Council’s efforts to improve sporting facilities in the area.

As part of its Community Champions scheme, Persimmon Homes South West handed over the £1,500 cheque, which will help fund equipment and widen access to sports in the East Devon town.

Prior to the construction of the sports pavilion, several hundred children had been using the sports pitches every week. However, in order to develop the facilities ready for adult and league uses, the purchase of additional sports equipment will be required.

The news follows the signing of the Section 106 agreement between the five-star* developer and the District Council after it secured planning permission for the first expansion of Cranbrook, triggering more than £4m towards projects including a new health and wellbeing centre, leisure centre, fire station and improvements to London Road to make it more suitable for people walking and cycling.

The expansion allows for up to 1,435 high-quality homes to be built by the five-star builder. There will be a new three form entry primary school, a special educational needs school, a neighbourhood centre, land for a place of worship, a vicarage, and a cemetery as part of the scheme. The plans also include play areas, allotments, and large areas of green space.

Persimmon currently has high-quality properties for sale at two sites in the area – two and three-bed homes are available for purchase from £249,995 at Cherrywood Grange in Tithebarn and Galileo at Cranbrook, with five-bed properties also for sale at the former.

The five-star housebuilder donates £700,000 each year to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain. Recent local recipients include Broadclyst FC, Hospiscare, and the English Riviera Airshow.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes South West’s Sales Director Stacey Harris said: “Given our significant footprint in Cranbrook, it is only right that as part of our commitment to leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which we develop that we work with local groups and representatives to ensure the town is a wonderful place to live.

“That’s why, in addition to providing high-quality homes and community infrastructure, Persimmon is proud to be donating money to Cranbrook Town Council so they can deliver equipment for local people to play sport in this beautiful part of Devon.

“We hope that this will be of benefit to our customers – present and future – at our Galileo and Cherrywood Grange sites, as well as those who will take their place in the town as part of the expansion we recently received permission to build.” 

Councillor Les Bayliss, Chairman of Cranbrook Town Council, added: "We're grateful to Persimmon for their support in this project, which aims to broaden access to sports in Cranbrook. We believe that providing our residents with access to sports venues and green areas will promote an active lifestyle and contribute to maintaining good health.

“Cranbrook Town Council has made significant investments in restoring and maintaining these facilities and services to a very high standard. Our top-notch sports pavilion, not only offers young players the opportunity to explore sports and develop their skills but also hosts league games at a high level.”