Two new towns planned for Devon

Up to 20,000 new houses could be built in the two new towns

Two new towns are being planned in Devon as part of 12 selected for a nationwide building programme.

Up to 20,000 homes are expected to be built in Marlcombe in east Devon, and Plymouth as part of the government's New Towns programme.

East Devon District Councillor Todd Olive said Marlcombe, which will be south of Exeter Airport, would be a "vibrant, resilient, and well-connected town that champions innovation and sustainability, with a distinct identity and sense of place".

Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans called the decision "a huge moment" for the city, adding: "We're not just building homes, we're building a future".

Evans said the new development would "breathe new life into our city centre, supporting local shops, businesses, cafés and restaurants, and creating the footfall that fuels a thriving day and night-time economy".

As well as housing, other infrastructure would be created in both towns including schools, shops, healthcare and green spaces.

The government announced the new towns initiative earlier this year, as part of its ambition to build 1.5m new homes in the next 5 years.

An environmental assessment will be carried out on all recommended towns before final decisions are made next year, the government said.