Planning for first phase of 9,500 home Northstowe scheme in Cambridgeshire submitted

The first phase of the scheme includes proposals for 1,500 new homes, a primary school, sports hub, open space and a local centre with shops and community services. Over the next 20 years the Northstowe development proposals could result in the building of up to 10,000 new homes, new schools, employment areas, a town centre and other community services.

A refreshed Northstowe-wide framework master plan has also been submitted, which provides an updated approach to the planning and delivery of the new town. The master plan aims to ensure that phase one and subsequent phases are wholly integrated, the developer said.

“The Joint Promoters are confident that Northstowe can be delivered and have adopted a new phased approach to delivering housing as part of the comprehensive development of the wider vision for Northstowe as a new community," said Steve Collins, head of area for the HCA. "Gallagher submitting the Phase One application is fully supported by the HCA as it is part of the revised master plan for the whole site...”

Northstowe is located on the old Royal Air Force Oakington Barracks and surrounding land, covering approximately 480 hectares.

The application and master plan have been submitted following public consultations last October. Gallagher and the HCA asked the public for their views prior to working up the proposals.

The greatest number of comments about the plans related to the need for the A14 to be upgraded and the need to reduce congestion, the developer said.

However, following the consultations, the Government announced £20 million investment to improve the A14 in its Autumn Statement. The Government also pledged to look at long term improvements to the A14 and key routes around it.

"Northstowe will be built to high sustainability standards and will make an important contribution to the provision of market and affordable housing and economic growth in South Cambridgeshire," said Alan Joyner, Executive Director of Gallagher Estates. "We are looking forward to continuing the positive dialogue we have had with the local authorities and local communities and we will all be working towards the planning application being determined before the end of the year.”

Preliminary plans for phase two of the project will be worked on over the summer, the developer said.