Urbanism
Environment
Design

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Proposals have been released for setting up a development trust, using innovative funding mechanisms, for the new town of Northstowe in South Cambridgeshire, where 10,000 new homes are expected to be built. A report by URBED with Marilyn Taylor Associates has been approved by South Cambs in principle as the basis for setting up the board and appointing staff. Further work is being commissioned on funding and legal matters.

The report Resourcing the Growth of a Sustainable New Community at Northstowe was commissioned by the consortium of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, English Partnerships, Cambridgeshire Horizons and Gallaghers. It follows on from earlier research and a series of case studies published as Who Runs This Place? The trust is intended to champion Northstowe as a sustainable community, support active and engaged civic life, and safeguard the towns assets.

The consultants have recommended using novel financial mechanisms, such as a charge on energy consumption, by using under pavement service ducts and also parking charges, as well as endowment assets, such as small business units. This would help ensure that Northstowe truly is an innovative market town for the 21st century and would be one of the first uses of a development trust to create a new community and promote environmental sustainability.Further information can be obtained from:Marilyn Taylor at Marilyn Taylor Associates Telephone 0207 263 4978Simon McIntosh at South Cambridgeshire District CouncilTelephone 01954 713350