MP pledges action as Sherford residents await long-promised amenities

A Devon MP has pledged to intervene after hearing that the residents of Sherford, a new town nine years in the making, are still waiting for a series of amenities that were promised in the original development plan.

As reported earlier this week by The Moorlander, Sherford, situated on the eastern edge of Plymouth, began its development in August 2015 with the vision of creating a vibrant community.

The town’s masterplan included commitments to a range of facilities, such as a GP surgery, local shops, a leisure centre, and a swimming pool.

Despite ongoing construction and a growing population, these promises remain unmet.

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, has responded to the concerns raised by residents and has vowed to take action.

She said: “Having spent time in Sherford in recent weeks and months, I know how much local shops and services are needed by the community. A suite of local amenities was promised, including a GP surgery, local shop, and leisure centre. The lack of these facilities is causing significant issues for residents.”

Ms Smith told The Moorlander she planned to meet developers and local planning teams to address these concerns.

“I will ensure the concerns of residents are addressed and ascertain a timetable for the development of these promised services,” she added.

Sainsbury’s have since told The Moorlander that they may be interested in a new store in Sherford in the future, but they don’t have any specific plans to share at the moment.

Following The Moorlander’s coverage, the Sherford Consortium, a partnership between national housebuilders Taylor Wimpey and the Vistry Group, which includes Countryside Partnerships, Linden Homes and Bovis Homes, has now  issued a statement to The Moorlander.

They said: “The Sherford Consortium is working hard to bring shops to Sherford. We understand how important shops are to residents and while there have been delays, the plans are moving forward. Discussions are in the final stages to agree the terms to deliver the first permanent local centre, based at the heart of the community. It is anticipated that a planning application will be submitted in the coming months. In recognition of the need for Sherford residents to have a shop, we have provided the facility and services for a temporary convenience store. It is set to open imminently, and the operator will be appointing staff and stocking the shop in the coming weeks.

“Sherford is set to become one of the South West’s most vibrant and thriving communities. Currently more than 900 homes are occupied, the first school has been completed, a community hub and coffee shop are open and thriving, numerous outdoor sports and play facilities have been delivered, and an already extensive country park is about to expand further.

“When complete, there will be 5,500 quality homes in three distinct neighbourhoods, four schools, community facilities, shops, 84,000 square metres of employment and retail space, abundant green space including a 500-acre country park, and extensive transport links. As has always been the plan and part of the agreements made between developers and local authorities, Sherford’s amenities will be delivered over time, as the town grows, and as specific development milestones are reached. The town is a £1bn investment that sees the Sherford Consortium committed to delivering this long-term project and bringing an ambitious vision to life.”

Sherford was officially established in 2015, though its development was originally planned to start in 2007, with the first 300 homes expected to be completed by 2009. The updated plan in 2015 aimed to create a town with over 3,500 homes, and to date, more than 900 houses have been built, housing over 2,900 residents.

The town’s masterplan includes three primary schools, a secondary school, a leisure centre, a library, a youth centre, and a town centre with retail options. The first primary school opened in 2018, followed by sports facilities and the Sherford Community Hub in 2021. However, despite these developments, the promise of a fully functional town centre with shops remains unfulfilled.

The official town website envisions a bustling town centre with opportunities to “drink and dine, shop and socialise,” featuring both independent and well-known shops, cafes, and restaurants. 

Yet, nearly a decade into its development, no shops have opened.