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 Cabin on The Green, managed by SCDC (through the Community Development Officers). Other options are at the Northstowe Secondary College – Northstowe Secondary College or you can also check Facility hire in the UK - SchoolHire and also 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.
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.