May 2010
13 May, 2010
As a new era dawns in British politics, it is inevitable that the historic decision to create a Lib – Con Coalition Government will impact on the existing villages and the plans for Northstowe, the eco-town. The airfield is still owned by the government (currently via the Homes & Communities Agency) and it would be un-realistic to think that the new government will not influence the direction of this flagship eco-project.
This Lib – Con Coalition appears to championing a fairer and greener Britain with increased social responsibility and greater local decision making. We have been promised an administration which will focus on rebuilding communities. A large part of rebuilding communities (and building successful new ones) must come from listening to the local residents. No one knows Longstanton, Oakington and Westwick better and no one has a greater interest in ensuring that the Northstowe development is successful, and integrates well within the locality.
Now our local MP Andrew Lansley is a cabinet minister we have to hope that the promises for a greener, and fairer Britain, made by David Cameron and Nick Clegg, will be kept when decisions are taken regarding the creation of “Britain’s first eco-town”.
Irrespective of who is in government, LDHS will continue to work towards achieving the society’s objects and protecting and promoting the heritage of Longstanton & District. We hope that Northstowe, the eco-town, will live up to all the promise of this new political era and deliver a truly sustainable and eco-friendly community.
We hope that all residents of the existing communities will be consulted, and most importantly listened to, by the developers and local and national government. To create a new community, that has good relations and the full support of its neighbours, will benefit everyone. There can be no place in this new world of “open” government and “eco-towns” for policy decisions (behind closed doors) which threaten damage or harm to important archaeology, conservation areas or the environment.
One of our primary objects is to act as an advisory body and we are available to any organisation or individual(s) who wish to consult with us about the heritage of Longstanton & District.
We will continue to promote our idea of a developer funded heritage facility for Northstowe. Not only will our shared history offer the opportunity to bring the existing and new communities together, but it offers the developers and government (local and national) a positive marketing and PR opportunity for the new town.
11 May, 2010
Following an in-conclusive General Election, the whole country waits to find out who will form the next government and what format the new government will take. This decision may have a profound effect on Longstanton and Oakington & Westwick. The future government, and any decisions to cut the budget deficit, may influence the speed and direction of the Northstowe development. HCA, currently the primary landowner, is a government body whose very survival may depend upon the outcome of the current talks taking place in Whitehall.