Where there’s water, there’s life

Northstowe is a town inspired by wellbeing and sustainability…

…From its lakes and wildlife to its active travel and leisure facilities, the town will become an outstanding example of modern urbanism which fuses the finest people-centred design with enviable natural assets.

And this will be done in a way unique to Northstowe. It will stand the test of time. It will be green, connected and energetic.

The town has already made great strides toward this vision – aided admirably by the energy and ideas of local communities. But much more is to come.

Habitat creation

Along with creating homes for people, we are using this once-in-a-generation opportunity to create outdoor spaces which are teeming with life. All developments are required to provide an improvement to natural habitats and wildlife numbers once they have been completed. These ‘biodiversity net gain’ rules require a 10 per cent improvement in biodiversity pre and post-development; at Northstowe we are committed to exceeding this target achieving 15% on later phases of development.

We have ambitions to go beyond this and ensure the development of Northstowe Town benefits plants, animals and people – all creatures great and small. A major part of the net gain plan will be delivered a short distance away at Smithy Fen where hectares of land are being managed for farmland birds.

The most recognisable part of the on-site strategy is the new lakes and associated planting which attract a variety of birds, insects and aquatic life to the town.

Three large ponds dominate the park with fluctuating water tables and permanent water expected to be present throughout the year. Graded pond edges are shaped to create access for recreation as well as providing a rich ecological environment of wetland, riverside and aquatic vegetation.

Visitors and residents will be familiar with the bird and bat boxes dotted around the area and many birds have taken up residence in the town.

The town’s sustainable drainage system is used to manage surface water through a series of ponds, open swales, alongside roads and within green spaces, protecting the town from major flood events – well above the normal development standard. These ponds and swales run along greenways and form another part of the open space network that provides fantastic leisure routes and trails for all to enjoy.

Sustainable design

The buildings which will make the town are subject to agreed design codes which help guide the individual developments. These will design in landscaped areas using existing and new trees to create pleasant neighbourhoods.

Other buildings in the town will incorporate sustainable materials and approaches to achieve energy efficiency and reduce carbon. For example, plans for the permanent community centre building features green roofs, flowers, plants & hedges, solar panels, integrated bird / bat boxes, deadwood features and a bee house.

Active travel

Northstowe is already one of the best-connected places in Cambridgeshire and more infrastructure is coming soon. Accessible by feet, hooves and wheels, with dedicated off-road routes connecting to national cycle paths. Bridleways and footpaths form green corridors to connect the town to the Cambridgeshire countryside and encourage exploration.

Please visit the travel page for more information.