Neighbourhood Centre

At the heart of Hensford Park will be its local centre and square, where the majority of facilities will be built, all within easy reach of homes.

The local centre is key to helping reduce car journeys, because it provides a wide range of facilities accessible on foot or by bike.

As well as shops and cafes, it includes small workspaces for start-up businesses, co-working spaces to benefit particularly home-workers and the self-employed, a community hub as a centre for social activities, clubs and groups, as well as play facilities, a creche and nursery.

Allotments and community orchards would also help improve biodiversity. Devon County Council, the local education authority, is supportive of a new primary school at Hensford Park. The location of the school has been selected to make it as accessible as possible.

Consultation with the NHS confirms that there is no requirement to provide any specific healthcare provision as part of the masterplan.

A mobility hub would provide access to electric vehicles – cars, vans and bikes – available for hire, reducing the need for car ownership, as well as further helping to cut Hensford Park’s carbon footprint. Sustainable transport routes would link the local centre to surrounding neighbourhoods and the wider area, including public transport routes.