Road improvements planned to accommodate 1,000 homes in ‘new town’

The plans seek to make improvements to an existing roundabout, as well as create new access to a large housing development

Road improvements could be made to accommodate 1,000 homes in a ‘new town’. In 2022, plans were approved for the Northstowe phase 3B development, made up of 1,000 homes, retail, open green spaces, and a primary school.

Applicants Vistry have now submitted plans to make improvements to the existing B1050 roundabout, around 200m from the Unity Centre at Northstowe.

Vistry described the B1050 as a “key route” for the development, and the reconstruction of the roundabout access “requires careful management”. As part of this management, the applicants seek to minimise disruption as much as possible.

The works include: changes to the carriageway and approach arms, realignment and widening of the carriageways, provision of new and reconfigured splitter islands, and formation of part of the spine road to access the Northstowe development.

The plans also propose new kerb lines and edge alignments to replace the existing highway layout, new highway lighting columns, extension of a footpath of the northside of the B1050, a new pedestrian crossing over the B1050, and landscaping.

If approved, the works will take place between 7.30am and 6pm on Mondays to Fridays. Work will then continue on Saturdays between 8am and 1pm. No work will take place on Sundays and bank holidays.

The applicant said: “Residents, businesses and other affected parties will be notified in advance where works are likely to cause notable disruption, including planned closures, access changes, out-of-hours works or particularly noisy activities.”

Noise and disturbance will be managed to prevent disruption to nearby homes and businesses. Dust and air quality will also be managed to “reduce nuisance”.

Information will be sent to stakeholders, including residents, businesses, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users ahead of the roadworks. These will include road closures, partial closures, diversion routes, changes to access, and out-of-hour works.

The Northstowe development is planned to have up to 10,000 homes by 2040.