Northstowe: New Town Plans

27 February 2012, 14:58

Plans for a big new town in South Cambridgeshire, called Northstowe, have taken a step forward.

The developers behind plans for the new town have handed in the first stage of their proposals to South Cambridgeshire District Council.

The first stage includes 1,500 new homes, but up to 10,000 new houses could eventually be built.

If Northstowe [artists impression - top right] is built between Oakington and Longstanton, it would be the biggest new town in the UK since Milton Keynes was built.

The site covers the former Oakington Barracks, and also takes in the former Oakington Immigration Reception Centre.

According to developers Gallagher, Northstowe "aspires to be an exemplar and vibrant 21st century town enabling more sustainable lifestyle choices and patterns of living."

Northstowe Map

South Cambridgeshire District Councillors say it would 'create jobs and boost the local economy'.

The council will now inspect the plans, before asking residents to have their say on them via a public consultation.

Councillor Tim Wotherspoon, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for Northstowe and new communities, said: "We are delighted the application for the first phase of new homes and community facilities at Northstowe has now been submitted as the town is vital to responding to the acute housing need in South Cambridgeshire.  

It will bring with it new jobs, a major boost for our flourishing economy, and will help address the need for affordable homes.

As the application has just been received, we will now be carrying out the work to make sure we have all the information we need, but if that is the case we will then be publishing the plans and consulting with residents to make sure they have their say. 

We are very clear that the proposals must be best for existing and future communities and the views of our residents are key to that. 

This is to be our new town and all of us locally are determined to make it work well for everyone."