Houghton Barton

The Challenge

How NRP supported Bloor Homes and Redrow Homes to achieve Sustainable Development in Newton Abbot.

Transport Planning work for major new urban extension to the west side of Newton Abbot. The development comprises 1150 dwellings, employment, primary school and local centre and includes the delivery of the western section of an A382 to A383 Link Road. A key aspect was agreeing the trigger for delivery of the Link Road given this would need to be funded after a significant number of dwelling completions.

The Solution

The NRP team were responsible for Transport Assessment, Framework Travel Plan, Transport Chapter of Environmental Statement and street design of 400 unit first phase. A hybrid planning application was submitted in Spring 2020. LINSIG modelling of A38/A382 Drumbridges Roundabout and slip road assessments to agree highway matters with Highways England.

A resubmission was required following masterplan changes and this was supported by an Addendum Transport Assessment. There has been liaison with Stagecoach in respect of bus service improvements.

The Results

The project has included detailed liaison with Local Highway Authority, Devon County Council throughout to agree matters in a stepped manner. Planning permission was granted in summer 2025. An acceptable Link Road trigger was agreed for the clients.

At planning committee, the three applications that relate to the Houghton Barton proposals were deliberated and after just under 3 hours in the Council Chamber three positive resolutions were returned.  This really is a monumental occasion, after 5 years in planning and everything that came before.

 We have had to keep the pressure on throughout, and we would not have been able to do this without your support in responding to consultee comments and preparing updated information as quickly as you have done. 

The process has involved extensive engagement with consultees who have struggled to navigate the sheer volume of information submitted in support of these applications, so it is very relevant to mention that we went to committee with no technical objections.

Planning consultant to Multi-disciplinary team