Monkerton and Hill Barton could play a fundamental role in the delivery of Exeter's projected growth up to 2026, with a good opportunity to deliver around 2300 homes early and contribute to a process of place-making through the building of a new sustainable community on the eastern edge of Exeter.

The development of this area is also vitally important to providing the infrastructure needed to deliver the Exeter Science Park and further strategic growth to the east of the M5.

The Monkerton and Hill Barton Masterplan was commissioned by Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point, Highways Agency, Hill Barton Farm Consortium, Barratt Homes and the Strategic Land Partnership in June 2009.

The Masterplan has been prepared by LDA Design with support from Parsons Brinckerhoff (transport and infrastructure), GVA Grimley (property) and Gardiner and Theobald (cost and delivery).

The study area is around four miles from Exeter City Centre and in close proximity to Junction 29 of the M5 motorway. It sits between the main rail line to London Waterloo to the north, the M5 to the east, the A3015/Honiton Road and Exeter to Exmouth rail line to the south and the City's outer bypass (the B3181) to the west.

Much of the study area comprises of greenfield land. However it also includes a number of existing land-uses that need to be positively integrated into the Masterplan, including residential development, a Sainsbury superstore, St Luke's Secondary School and Exeter Business Park, including the headquarters of the Met Office.

The residential areas of Pinhoe and Whipton are adjacent to the study area to the north and west and the large industrial estate of Sowton to the south. Beyond the M5 to the east lies relatively undeveloped farmland. There are, however, major strategic developments proposed for this area including the Exeter Science Park and the new community of Cranbrook.

Planning Authority: Exeter City Council