23 June 2026

Northstowe Church Network has been awarded the first plot of land for faith and community groups in Northstowe, following approval today (23 June) at a South Cambridgeshire District Council Cabinet meeting.

Drone image above: With thanks to SkyTech Cambridge

The long leasehold is being given at peppercorn rent following the Council's consideration of bids made to develop the land and having received public feedback on the proposals.

Northstowe Church Network outlined its role in bringing together a range of faith and community groups to support worship and create an inclusive space for all residents.

Their bid included dedicated worship space plus shared areas available for use by the wider community, including Northstowe Muslims as an anchor tenant, and Turtle Dove Cambridge, which supports young women.

Other collaborators include Romsey Mill, a charity that supports young people and families, Youth Hive, Scouts, Air Cadets, Park Run, art groups and local schools and community groups.

Cllr Dr. Lisa Redrup, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet member for Healthy Communities, said: “This is an important milestone for the growing town of Northstowe. The Faith and Community Land allocation process was designed to empower and enable people to play an important role in meeting their own needs through community led development of community infrastructure and amenities that matter to them. We have used the policy to carefully assess the bids against the agreed criteria.

“We are committed to supporting the improved health and wellbeing of residents and to working with community groups, the voluntary sector and individuals to help tackle issues within their communities. The selected proposal offers a wide range of community benefits, including support for some of the most vulnerable to help ensure they have access to the resources and opportunities needed to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.”

Northstowe Church Network was the highest scoring of two proposals in the faith and community land bidding process run by the District Council.

Local district councillors Cllr Natalie Warren-Green and Cllr Sunita Hansraj welcomed faith and community provision for the growing town.

Cllr Warren-Green commented: “This is an important step for the people who are building their lives and communities in Northstowe. I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to be part of the allocation process. We know how much effort, care and passion goes into bids like these. As the town continues to grow, there will be further opportunities. We remain committed to supporting the development of more spaces that are in the development plan, which offer Northstowe's faith and voluntary groups space to develop facilities that will serve the community for generations ahead."

Cllr Hansraj added: “It’s fantastic to see progress towards a further space shaped around the people of Northstowe where residents can come together, build relationships and feel part of a shared community. In a growing and diverse town, places like this make a real difference to everyday lives, helping people connect and support one another and reflecting the strong community spirit at the heart of Northstowe.”

This is the first of four opportunities for faith and / or community groups to secure land in Northstowe. The land was secured by the Council as part of the planning process. In future, there will be further land or floorspace within the town centre on phase 2, plus two more opportunities within phase 3.

In 2020, the Council adopted the Northstowe Faith and Community Land Allocation policy which provided a fair and transparent process for land allocation.

In December 2024 Cabinet agreed to initiate a bidding round for the first parcel of available land. A bidding window was open for one year from January 2025, during which two bids were received for the 0.25-hectare plot off Stirling Road - they were from Hindu Samaj Northstowe and Northstowe Church Network.

The new community at Northstowe is planned as a distinctive new town of 10,000 homes and currently around 1,700 homes are occupied, with a diverse and vibrant community now well established.