Devoncast - Cranbrook's highs and lows, homes under fire and a Finnish connection

Cranbrook is Devon’s newest town, but the journey hasn’t been an entirely smooth one. There were some early successes, such as schools completed before residents moved in, but it took 12 years for a supermarket to open. Devoncast finds out about the latest developments and those still to come in Cranbrook from one of the town’s district councillors, Kevin Blakey, who also discusses what lessons can be learned as East Devon starts embarking on its second new town. Plus, we hear from Feniton’s district councillor, Alasdair Bruce, about why he and many of its residents were dismayed that a planning application for 35 homes was approved in the flood-prone village. Beyond that, we reveal the details about a new link between Plymouth and the Nordic country of Finland, and get all the details of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, which happens this weekend (Fri 7 and Saturday 8 March). Finally, we tread the boards with Stefanie Jones, the leading lady in Plymouth’s Theatre Royal production of the hit Disney musical, Mary Poppins. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.