Urban&Civic has submitted a hybrid planning application for the development of 2,800 homes and significant new business space at Wintringham, as part of the eastern expansion of St Neots.
The site is established as a location for development in Huntingdonshire’s Adopted Core Strategy (2009) and is part of the St Neots Eastern Expansion Urban Design Framework (2010). In 2013, it was subject to a planning application by a former consortium, which was refused and subsequently appealed. The appeal was withdrawn in May 2017 and the consortium disbanded. Since then Urban&Civic has bought into the landowning partnership alongside long-term owners, the Nuffield Trusts, and been appointed Development Manager.
This vision was tested at public events in October, with over 550 people coming along, and also comments shared through an online feedback system.
The development will form a key part of the eastern gateway to the growing town. It will deliver:
- Up to 2,800 homes.
- 63,500 m² of commercial space, including R&D and creative space, as well as office and industrial units.
- 2 primary schools, with the potential for a temporary primary school to address immediate issues locally.
- Community and retail facilities focused on a local and district centre, including health care.
- Access improvements including capacity improvements, new access and landscape setting along Cambridge Road, and access points on to the A428 and Potton Road.
- Associated infrastructure and services.
Tim Leathes, Development Director said: “The interest and engagement we had at the recent events have reinforced our sense that Wintringham is an exciting opportunity to deliver new homes in an attractive setting to the growing town of St Neots. The town is one of the best connected in the region, with strong rail and road links. While we know there is concern around some of the current traffic issues, the investment in the A14 and A428 which is going on alongside this development, and our commitment to invest in the local road and bus connections, will go hand in hand with creating green corridors for safe cycle and walking routes to help people connect with the station and town centre, to get about safely and connect with nature. Drawing on the strong partnerships we have developed over the last 7 years working in Cambridgeshire – including the jobs and skills delivery through the EDGE partnership – we intend to develop this site in a way that maximises the benefits for local people and creates a lasting legacy for the area. With the application in, we look forward to continued discussions and engagement as the planning process moves forward, and we will continue to work with local authorities, businesses and communities to deliver an exciting sustainable development for the local area.”
