England to get first 'sustainable' new town

England is to get its first 'sustainable' new town with all 10,000  homes meeting the Government's eco-standards and using micro-renewable energy.

English Partnerships, in a landmark deal worth almost £100 million, has completed one of its biggest single acquisitions with the purchase of the disused Oakington Barracks in Cambridgeshire.

The purchase of the 288 hectare site is set to unlock the development of the proposed new town of Northstowe, creating up to 10,000 new homes.

Northstowe, which is five miles from the centre of Cambridge, will contribute to the region's growth agenda and ease pressure on the Cambridge housing market that currently suffers from a shortage of new and affordable homes.  

But what makes Northstowe so different is the Government's desire to set the 'sustainability' standard through this development.

ODPM Minister for Communities and Local Government David Miliband said: "More sustainable housing has a vital role to play in tackling climate change which is why we have increased energy efficiency standards for new buildings by 40% since 2002, setting further stretching standards through our Code for Sustainable Homes, and reviewing the sustainability of our existing stock."

Margaret Ford, Chairman of English Partnerships said: "This is another significant example of government agencies working together to bring forward surplus land effectively and for the benefit of local communities.

"The land at Oakington will make a significant contribution to Northstowe where a new and sustainable community offering homes, amenities, jobs and open space is planned in an area of housing need."

Defence Estates Chief Executive, Vice Admiral Peter Dunt, said: "Government is committed to using more brownfield land to create sustainable communities with affordable housing.

"The sale of Oakington is yet another example of the strong working relationship between two government agencies in devising strategies to make best use of surplus public sector land."

Since 2003 English Partnerships has acquired more than 2,000 ha of surplus land, which is expected to provide around 20,000 homes nationally over the next 10 years as part of a comprehensive regeneration programme.

The biggest single contribution to this portfolio was the completion of a deal to transfer 96 former hospital sites to the agency in April 2005.

As well as these significant acquisitions, English Partnerships has introduced a range of other initiatives aimed at ensuring public sector land is used more effectively.

These include: The Register of Surplus Public Sector Land  - a comprehensive database currently listing more than 700 sites, owned by 40 public sector agencies, totalling almost 5,000 ha of land - as well as framework and collaborative working agreements with other government agencies.

This week the Government also announced new measures aimed at building on existing work by ODPM to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development including:

Revised building regulations coming into force next month which combined with changes in 2002 deliver a 40 per cent increase in the energy efficiency standards of new buildings. The Code for Sustainable Homes which sets higher standards for energy and water efficiency and will provide clear information and advice for householders on the sustainability and running costs of their homes. The introduction of Energy Performance Certificates for all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented out to provide clear information on energy performance and advice on cost-effective improvements. A review of measures to improve the sustainability of existing buildings to identify the role of possible further incentives, voluntary initiatives and regulations will be completed later this summer. Continued action to upgrade the energy efficiency of social and rented homes and those in fuel poverty through the Warm Front and Decent Homes programmes. A commitment to update building and water fitting regulations to make water efficiency savings in all new homes, and existing homes when they are refurbished. Prioritising development on Brownfield land which as now at a record of 72% of all development and strengthening protection for the Green Belt. Reviewing the implementation of planning policy to ensure that local authorities are taking sufficient action to promote on-site renewable technology.