The public is invited to give feedback on two bids submitted for Northstowe’s first dedicated plot of faith and community land.
Faith and community groups have formally submitted their proposals for the site, marking a major milestone in the development of the growing new town.
Two applicants have outlined their plans for the land, including proposed facilities, services for their group and the wider community, evidence of demand, and the benefits their project would bring.
The bids received are led by:
· Hindu Samaj Northstowe
· Northstowe Church Network
Both submissions provide information about how each group intends to collaborate with others, including other faith groups in Northstowe. Each bid includes details on how they will offer space within the proposed facilities open to the whole community, in addition to space dedicated to worship.
This parcel of land, next to Stirling Road and close to Bug Hunter Waters, is the first of four opportunities at Northstowe for faith or community groups to secure land for their own facility. In future, there will be further land or floorspace within the town centre on phase 2 available, plus two more opportunities within phase 3.
Cllr Henry Batchelor, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Now that the bids are in, it’s important that residents share their views. Public input has always been at the heart of our approach, and this next stage ensures that feedback from the public can be taken into account. This is an exciting moment for Northstowe as we move closer to creating a shared space that will help bring people together within a facility that supports connection, wellbeing and a thriving, inclusive Northstowe. We look forward to it playing a meaningful role in the life of our growing town.”
One of Northstowe’s District Councillors, Cllr Tom Bygott, commented: “Northstowe is evolving into a fully‑rounded town, and faith‑led and community facilities have long provided the backbone of civic cohesion. I strongly encourage residents to share their views. It’s encouraging to see plans progressing for a facility that will serve not just worshippers, but also the wider community.”
Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, also a District Councillor for Northstowe, added: “It’s great to see the project reach this important milestone with two bids which are being assessed. This next phase will help determine which proposal is best placed to support Northstowe as it continues to grow. It’s an exciting step forward and moves us closer to creating facilities that will strengthen and benefit our community for years to come.”
This 0.25-hectare faith land plot is located off Stirling Road - between the Taylor Wimpey and Urban Splash developments and next to Bug Hunter Waters. This was allocated under part of the planning agreements for phase one of the new town. Where space for worship is provided in any new building – there should also be community areas accessible to all, including other faith groups.
Bids were assessed against the detailed assessment criteria which were made available to bidders from the outset of the process. The District Council’s Allocation Policy for the distribution of faith/community land in the new community of Northstowe was agreed at a Cabinet meeting in March 2020.
Support with the application process has been available from Council officers - both before and throughout the entire year-long bidding window.
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Cabinet will review all the information before making a decision on awarding the land at their June 2026 meeting. Following this, consent for the disposal will be requested from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. This is a process the Council must follow in this instance to offer a long lease on the land at a peppercorn rent.
The land, currently owned by Northstowe phase one developers Urban&Civic, will transfer to the Council, which intends to grant a 999-year leasehold to the chosen group. The successful bidder will commit to meet agreed policies and their project milestones. Delivering in line with these is a requirement of the leasehold agreement when the land is awarded to the successful bidder.
· A summary of proposals has been published for the public to comment on. These comments will be considered as part of the decision-making process.
· The survey runs from 16 March to 11.59pm on Monday 27 April 2026.
· Share your views here.
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