17th November 2025.
Planning submitted for Northstowe.
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TOWN has submitted a planning application for a new neighbourhood at Northstowe that brings two cohousing communities together alongside market and affordable homes. Designed by Mole Architects, the scheme includes 145 homes in a landscape-led setting and represents a national first: two purpose-built cohousing communities delivered side by side within a planned new town.
The project is being brought forward by a joint venture between TOWN and Hill Group, working in partnership with Homes England.
The neighbourhood sits nine miles from Cambridge and builds directly on the success of Marmalade Lane and demand for a home in the community.
The new neighbourhood will be home to Suvana Cohousing, a group grounded in Buddhist values, and Northstowe Cohousing, an intergenerational community. Both groups have been closely involved throughout a year-long codesign process, helping to shape house types, shared spaces and the wider landscape. Homes include terraces, maisonettes and apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms. Forty per cent of homes will be affordable, including Affordable Rent and Discount Market Sale.
By bringing two established resident groups into the early stages of Northstowe, the scheme provides the emerging town with an immediate social anchor. These communities will bring shared activity, collective stewardship and everyday neighbourliness from the outset, supporting a stronger sense of belonging as Northstowe grows.
“Cohousing brings an incredible social energy to a new place. When residents know each other, share space and take collective responsibility for their environment, it creates a stronger, more resilient community. We’re excited to see this approach becoming part of Northstowe’s story.”
Jonny Anstead, Director, TOWN.
Northstowe from the Greenway.
At the centre of the design is a car-free play street that links directly to the Greenway park. Shared gardens, natural play and two common houses provide places for cooking, eating, meetings and day-to-day socialising.
All homes are timber-framed and highly energy efficient, with air source heat pumps, low-embodied-carbon materials and options for rooftop solar. The landscape includes sustainable drainage, edible planting and green spaces designed to support both ecology and social life. Streets prioritise walking, cycling and play in line with Building for a Healthy Life principles.
The Cambridge Quality Panel described the proposals as “a high-quality, innovative proposal that brings diversity and social richness to Northstowe”.
Subject to planning, construction is expected to begin in summer 2026.
To learn more or explore joining one of the cohousing communities, visit the link below.
