FAQs on partners' websites:
* Timeline for developments in Northstowe and Frequently Asked Questions (site owner: South Cambridgeshire DC, Communities Team)
* Northstowe FAQs (Feb. 2024 launched) and leaflet July 2022: FAQs on Northstowe developments (site owner: Homes England)
* A guide to Northstowe History (Longstanton and District Heritage Society, 2017).
Questions we often get asked:
Q: How can I book a venue for an event/activity? A: The following options are available: Bookings for the Temporary Community Centre at The Green, managed by SCDC (through the Community Development Officers). Other options are at the Northstowe Secondary College, with some hiring out also done by Pathfinder Primary School (email office@pathfinderschool.org.uk for enquiries). You can also book at the Sports Pavilion - book via westernpark@elitesportsuk.com or via www.pitchbooking.com for one-off bookings of 4G pitch/ see also Western Park Pavilion (Elite sports).
Q: When is there any retail space opening up to hire for my business? A: There are currently no retail facilities available anywhere in Northstowe; the following areas are nevertheless earmarked for development that is to include retail:
- Phase 1, Enterprise Zone (area between the Longstanton Park and Ride and B1050): this is to be developed by South Cambridgeshire District Council. Please contact Kate.Swan@scambs.gov.uk together with lucy.atkins@carterjonas.co.uk (Carter Jonas working on behalf the District Council); Kate Swan is the SCDC's Project Development Lead - Commercial Development and Investment).
- Phase 2: Homes England is developing various areas: Meanwhile use, i.e. temporary retail/flexible units, to be built in area near the secondary school. Latest plans (pending planning application etc): having this up-and-running somewhere in 2025. Keepmoat, a phase 2 housing development, also has some retail units being built which are to be owned and managed by SCDC - unclear at this stage when these are to become in use. Town Centre, area opposite the Secondary College: to be developed in stages from 2027/28 onwards, with retail unit options to become available then. Please do contact Homes England through the following email: northstowe2@homesengland.gov.uk for further details.
Q: Can I pitch my food van in Northstowe? A: Please see the District Council guidance on street trading for further information and different license needs and options. You will also need an agreement directly with the landowner - contact L&Q or Homes England directly (see here for their contact details) if you are considering a food van on the (as yet unadopted) roads in phases 1 and phase 2 respectively. NB: on The Green, on land owned by SCDC, the District Council has an arrangement in place and which is managed through Northstowe Foodies - food vans are there most Thu - Fri and Sat night. And, don't forget, the Town Council also has its own, Sunday market - for enquiries see our contacts page.
Q: When will the houses in phase 1 be finished? A: Except for parcel H5 (Bovis) where work stopped for much of 2023, housebuilding in all other parcels across Phase 1 is expected to be finished before the end of 2024.
Q: When will the roads in Phase 1 be finished and adopted? A: work on this is to start by the developer Urban & Civic (formerly L&Q) in 2024, to finish all roads, cycle paths and footways across the Phase 1 main roads network, with intention to pass these onto County Council for adoption in the second half of 2025.
Q: What is being done to address speeding in Northstowe? A: As a built-up area, the speed limit is 30 mph whether or not adopted (with advisory speed limit signs installed to reduce speed further); any speeding over this limit can be reported to the police - online reporting or via 101 is best - see Reporting - Northstowe Town Council - details of reg numbers, date, time car make, ideally footage as well would help the police to target speeding investigations.
Q: When will we get a GP practice in town? A: A GP practice, together with pharmacy, dentistry and related NHS services - work by the NHS Commissioning Services, in close cooperation with Homes England and SCDC) are planned for the Phase 2 Town Hub - currently expected 2028 delivery of Town Hub.