Devon eco-town's power centre plans approved

Plans for more than 3,000 homes in Cranbrook have been put forward

A building described by planners as "essential" to a new town in Devon has been given full planning permission.

Plans for more than 3,000 homes have been put forward by East Devon District Council to be built in Cranbrook as part of an eco-town, east of Exeter.

The approved building is a combined heat and power centre based on the nearby Skypark business estate.

It would provide power and heat for both local industry and for homes within the new town, planners said.