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The creation of England's first New Town since Milton Keynes has received a massive boost with the endorsement of the Development Framework Document (DFD).
The announcement by South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridgeshire County Councils underlines their support for Northstowe, which could deliver thousands of new homes alongside employment, commercial and recreational facilities.
It provides the town’s Joint Promoters, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Gallagher, with a formally endorsed masterplan for the entire town against which future planning applications will be considered and enables the adoption of a comprehensive, integrated approach to investment at every stage of Northstowe's development. This follows confirmation earlier in the week that substantial improvements to the A14 will be included in the Government’s road programme.
Northstowe will provide up to 10,000 new homes as well as schools, employment areas, a town centre and other community services on the former RAF Oakington Barracks site and surrounding land. Today’s announcement is an important milestone for the proposed New Town as it is the first time both local authorities have jointly considered and signed up to the DFD, signalling a move from the concept to the delivery stage.
The Joint Promoters will continue to work with South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council on the Phase 1 application with a decision expected in the autumn.
Terry Fuller, HCA Executive Director for East and South East England said: "We're very pleased about this positive outcome which provides confidence to a wide range of stakeholders including residents that Northstowe is on its way. As well as providing much-needed additional housing and jobs for local people, this scheme will make an important contribution to Cambridgeshire’s growth. The endorsement of the Development Framework Document provides the context for determining future planning applications and we will build on the successful partnership between ourselves as Joint Promoters and both Councils to ensure that Northstowe is delivered and fulfils its potential."
(CD)
