Northstowe Community Forum: February 2026 meeting transcript

The Community Forum meeting focused on major planning updates, development progress, transport issues, community engagement initiatives, and Q&A interactions regarding the ongoing expansion of the Greater Cambridge area. The event brought together representatives from local authorities, developers, planning officers, and residents in a hybrid meeting format. The purpose was to provide open information sharing rather than formal decision making.

1. Opening and Purpose of the Forum

The meeting opened with a welcome from the chair, who explained:

The forum is jointly delivered by the district council and the shared planning service.
It supports transparency about new neighbourhoods being developed across Greater Cambridge.
It brings together residents, parish councils, developers, and planners.
It is an information sharing platform—not part of the formal planning decision process.
The meeting was recorded for later publication.

Elected members attending were acknowledged, and the agenda was outlined, including updates on planning policy, Bourne Airfield, Cambourne West, Cambium Square, and a presentation on the “Beat the Street” health and activity initiative.

2. Planning Policy Update

Stephen Kelly, GCSP presented an update on the planning environment.

Local Plan Progress

Approximately eighty-seven consultation events were held across the region.
92,000 web and social media engagements were recorded.
1,200+ formal submissions and 4,000+ individual comments were received.
All feedback is now under review.
The next version of the Local Plan must be submitted to the Secretary of State by December of the current year.
The next public consultation round will ask whether the plan is “sound”, focusing on legal compliance and policy tests.

National Policy Consultations

Two national consultations relevant to the area were highlighted:

Revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

May reduce local obligations such as Biodiversity Net Gain.
Emphasises accelerated housing delivery.
Consultation open until March.

Proposed Government Led Development Corporation for Greater Cambridge

Would take over major planning decisions (for applications of 250+ homes).
Would also take over future Local Plans.
Proposed lifespan: 25 years.
Consultation deadline: 1 April.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

The district council will consult on implementing a CIL for strategic transport infrastructure.
Parish and town councils would receive 15% of collected CIL funds.
Designed to complement, not replace, Section 106 agreements.

East West Rail Update

A new iterative engagement model is replacing large, infrequent consultations.
A Cambourne station relocation approximately 200 metres west is proposed, aligning with the main ‘dumbbell’ roundabouts.
Design updates include a tunnel beneath Bourne Airfield.

Cambourne High Street – a previous planning application was not approved, GCPS gave feed back on the application and is expecting another submission in May 2026,

3. Bourne Airfield Development

Laura Fisher, GCPS outlined a current reserve matter planning application and the Greycoat Team (Viktoria Oakley, Chris Dickson, and James Wood) planning officer and development team provided updates. Outline permission (granted 2025) includes:

Up to 3,500 homes
Employment space
Community and leisure facilities
Schools
Significant green infrastructure

Reserved Matters and Early Works

First Reserved Matters application (Phase 1B) covers early infrastructure for the first five hundred homes.
Includes roads, footpaths, cycle routes, drainage, and connections to the C2C busway.
Further amendments will undergo consultation.

Design and Placemaking

The developer emphasised:

High standards for landscaping, streetscapes, and character areas.
Use of design codes co‑developed with planning officers.
The assigned housebuilder for early phases has prior local experience.

Construction Progress

Key points included:

Demolition of two buildings.
Tree protection zones established.
Runway concrete crushed for reuse onsite aiming for zero offsite disposal.
Temporary access via Wellington Way, with a new long term temporary construction access planned.
Strict “no mud on roads” policy.
Manufacture of the modular community hub underway.

Archaeology

Archaeological investigations led by a specialist organisation.
Potential remains from Iron Age to WWII.
Initial excavation zones: Areas C, D, and F.
Public open days and a community blog planned.
Findings may be displayed in the future community hub.

Community Engagement

A community survey to inform the naming of the site collected over one hundred responses, highlighting historical memories (including wartime events).

4. “Beat the Street” Initiative

A youth engagement manager presented results of this gamified walking and cycling challenge.

Participation & Reach

Goal: engage 10% of Cambourne’s population.
Actual result: 20% participation (~2,463 players).
76,000+ box taps recorded across 16 locations.
Over 21,000 miles travelled by participants.

Health & Behaviour Outcomes

13% reduction in inactive children.
7% reduction in inactive adults.
Average player moved nearly nine miles/day.
Improved well‑being scores above national average.
Children displayed a significant modal shift toward cycling.

Placemaking Insights

Residents showed strong appreciation for:

Green and natural spaces
Ease of access to nature
Attractiveness of Cambourne

Areas needing improvement:

Shops and retail availability
Social and gathering spaces.

5. Cambourne West Development

James Truett, GCPS provided a technical update:

Overall Progress

2,350 home schemes.
1,541 homes approved through Reserved Matters.
Nearly six hundred homes occupied.
Multiple phases (1.1 through 3.2B) in various stages of development.
Significant green corridors and play spaces incorporated.

Live Applications

Two current applications:

Parcel 2.2A

Eighty-six dwellings (30% affordable).
Central Local Area of Play and cycle corridor.
Future retail/amenity block under evaluation.

Orchards, Allotments, and LEAP

87 full allotment plots + 10 half plots.
Community hub space, cycle parking, and play equipment.

Transport & Connectivity Issues

Residents raised concerns about:

Long walking distances due to muddy bridleways.
Delays in tarmac paths awaiting lighting strategies.
Desire for better links to Lower Cambourne and local schools.

Officers confirmed ongoing coordination with county authorities on:

Lighting
Adoption standards
Future surface upgrades (tarmac/hoggin)
Bus services (outside district control)

6. Cambium Square Housing Scheme

Brad Tyrell, Hill provided an introduction to this mixed tenure development:

256 homes total.
Mix of private, affordable, and shared ownership housing.
Affordable homes designed to NetZero carbon standards (air source heat pumps, solar PV, MVHR).
Five construction phases planned over four years.
New public square, green spaces, orchard, allotments, and multiple links to bridleways.
Bus link and footpath to West Cambourne expected to open by end of year.

7. Transport Concerns Raised by Residents

Transport was the most frequent issue raised:

Requests for extending existing bus routes (especially the “4” service).
Concerns about lack of bus stops near new housing.
Frustration over years of delays.

Officials clarified:

Bus routing is controlled by the Combined Authority and commercial operators, not the district council.
Safety standards for bus stop locations fall under the county council.
Section 106 includes funding pots for service subsidies but cannot compel operators.
Suggestion made to invite the regional Mayor to the next forum.

8. Closing

The chair thanked all attendees, confirmed that materials would be posted online within two weeks, and reminded participants to complete the feedback survey. The next forum is scheduled for 24 June 2026.