Choose a name for East Devon's new community

Published: 24 July 2025

Choose a name for East Devon's new community

East Devon District Council is asking local people, community groups and businesses to help choose a name for a new community planned near Westpoint, in the west of the district.

Choosing a name now will help give the place a clear identity and shape the look and feel of the area as it grows. The results of the consultation will help decide the final name and will also guide future work on how the new community is promoted and developed.

The consultation gives you the chance to look at four possible names and rank them in order of preference. Each option comes with a short explanation of how it was chosen, based on local history, the area’s geography and environment, and previous public feedback.

The options are:

Shortlisted names and reasoning behind each one.

🌿Newton Clyst – The Local Option A name that belongs here

Newton Clyst connects directly to this area's geography and history. "Newton" simply means "new town" in Old English – straightforward and honest about what this place is. "Clyst" ties it to the River Clyst that runs through East Devon, linking it naturally to Newton Poppleford and other established Clyst villages in the valley. It's a name that locals will recognise and understand immediately.

🏛️ Marlcombe – The Historic Option Bringing back what was here before

Marlcombe appeared on 17th-century Tithe Maps, describing part of this exact site before the name disappeared from use. Rather than inventing something new, this choice restores an original place name that actually belonged here. It's a practical way to acknowledge the area's history while giving the new town a name with genuine local roots.

🌱 Willowcrest – The Nature Option Reflecting the landscape

The site sits on rising ground with natural contours that will shape how the town develops. Willowcrest describes both the topography (the crest) and the type of landscape found here (willows grow well in this part of Devon). It's descriptive of what people will actually see and experience living here – the natural setting that makes this location distinctive.

🌟 Clysthope – The Future-Focused Option Building on local foundations

Clysthope keeps the River Clyst connection that grounds it in East Devon, while "hope" suggests this is a place being built for the future. It acknowledges that new communities need both local identity and forward momentum. The name is practical – easy to say, remember, and explain – while capturing the reality that this town represents opportunity for people starting new chapters in their lives.

To take part in the consultation, visit: newcommunitynameconsultation.commonplace.is

The deadline for responses is Tuesday 26 August 2025 at 5pm.