Northstowe Phase 2 – Design Code Consultation

I have just spent a very productive afternoon spent looking at and discussing the Design Code for Northstowe Phase 2.

It’s clear that the owners of the phase 2 site (HCA) will use the next few years to ready themselves so that house occupations will follow shortly after the A14 upgrade is completed in 2020. The consultation for this design code runs from now until 10 June so if you wish to respond you need to do so by then.

My only concern from an archaeological standpoint was the proposal to plant a community orchard on the ridge and furrow field next to Long Lane. I have also asked (amongst various other things) that the Design Code clearly states the definition/ permitted function and uses of “parkland”, including a stated aim that the land is maintained by grazing livestock. If the definition of “parkland” is not made watertight in the design code it may allow future developers to find loop holes. I have also suggested that the County Archaeologist is consulted on the proposals for the conservation area fields. To propose designs without expert advice from the archaeologists would be inadvisable.

This consultation is a preliminary one only – once HCA submit a final version there will be a further consultation on that probably in the Autumn.