Transforming a former WWII airfield into a vibrant, sustainable village
Constructed for WWII, the Bourn Airfield had since been underutilised. Countryside Properties, now Vistry Group, saw the opportunity in this site to become a new settlement with sustainable connectivity to Cambridge. Vistry Group engaged our masterplanners to prepare an outline planning application, which went on to gain resolution to grant planning permission.
Our designers supported the project team to create a landscape-led, adaptable and sustainable layout for a village with 3,500 new homes with a mix of house types and a village centre with shops, services, and leisure opportunities. The village will also offer community services, two primary schools and a secondary school, open space, sports, and leisure facilities.
Following the planning submission, Vistry Group engaged our engineering team to review the water strategy for the development in relation to water scarcity in the region. This was primarily to address concerns raised by the Environment Agency and their response to Cambridge Water’s Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) 2024. Our team outlined how the WRMP proposes to provide supply to the development sustainably throughout the lifetime and build of the phased development. We also proposed options for how the development could offset its water demand and provided options for water reductions and demand mitigation.
In addition to providing needed housing and fostering economic growth in this region, without putting an undue strain on the water supply, Vistry Group’s proposed settlement will help deliver and benefit from a new public transport and strategic cycle route. Located between Cambourne and Cambridge (C2C), it will bypass general traffic congestion and providing fast, frequent, and reliable services.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- Vistry Group
Natalia Trossero, Urban Design Associate Director
Turning constraints into opportunities for site-specific, creative solutions is key to unlocking a site’s placemaking potential.
Rob Edwards, Director, Civil Engineering
I have passion for delivering sustainable and quality developments for the benefit of our people, clients, and communities.
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