Land Use & Densities

Land Use

The eco-town combines civic, commercial and residential areas within a clear and compact town structure. 

Sixty-eight percent of the total development area (1,286 ha) will be used for the eco-town’s Great Park.  Thirty-two percent of the total development area (600 ha) will be used for the eco-town development.  Of that, 600 ha of eco-town development area, 179 ha (30 percent) will be left as open space.

The centre of the eco-town will sit either side of Gartree Road – the former Roman Road. 

The Gartree Road is the natural divider for the different land uses.  To the south, light industrial and manufacturing is proposed; to the north, the land will be used for the main office and commercial district together with quarters for retail and recreation.  To the east of Gartree Road will be three quiet residential neighbourhoods integrated with more active and urban local centres.

 

The Masterplan

Densities

By structuring the various neighbourhoods in this way and mixing housing types in each area and on each street, diverse and varied patterns of living can be supported and generations of residents will be able to live, work, play and grow older together without needing to leave their community or home town.

The density of housing will range between 40 and 75 dwellings per hectare at an average of 60 dwellings per hectare in the eco-town. Higher density areas will be situated close to the town centre, on the edge of open green spaces or at the main transport hubs around the local centres.  This will give a larger number of people access to the town’s amenities without use of the car.