Homes England and Vistry have agreed a conditional contract to accelerate the delivery of 1,000 new homes at Northstowe, Cambridgeshire.

The latest phase – known as 3B-  of the new Northstowe community will also include a new local centre, a primary school and supporting infrastructure, including roads, utilities and green space.

A planning application will be made before the end of 2026, with building work expected to begin in 2027, and the first residents moving in from 2028.

Alison Crofton, chief regional delivery officer at Homes England, said: “This agreement unlocks a major new phase of delivery at Northstowe, supporting up to 1,000 homes and bringing forward essential infrastructure in step with development.

“It will help accelerate build-out and create more opportunities for SME builders, strengthening market resilience and paving the way for a well‑planned, sustainable community.”

Stephen Teagle, chief executive of partnerships & regeneration at Vistry, added: “Northstowe is an important and ambitious new community, and we’re pleased to be working with Homes England to accelerate the next stage of its growth, delivering much-needed mixed-tenure homes alongside the vital infrastructure required for communities to thrive.

“We share Homes England’s commitment to creating places that are sustainable, well-connected and designed for the long term, and we look forward to working closely with partners as this next phase progresses.”

The first outline planning permission for homes at Northstowe was granted in 2014, and the town is being delivered in phases. Phase one, led by Urban and Civic, commenced shortly after permission was given, with the construction of the town’s first primary school. Northstowe welcomed its first residents in early 2017.

Phase one is almost complete and includes a second primary school, a secondary school, a sixth form college, and a special school.

Homes England is responsible for phases two and three, which have commenced. Phase two includes 3,500 homes and permission to provide shops, cafes, and various facilities.

Once complete, Northstowe will have around 10,000 homes in an area of 540 hectares.