New homes for the community in Godmanchester
Illustrative sketch of the scheme
More people are struggling to find homes they can genuinely afford in Huntingdonshire. Young families, first-time buyers and renters are being squeezed by rising prices and a shortage of lower-cost homes.
The district now needs at least 1,232 new homes every year — around 35% higher than the previous housing target. Average homes now cost £315,000, while prices have risen by 69% over the last decade. Local affordability pressures are now worse than the national average, with homes costing 8.45 times average earnings compared with 7.7 nationally.
The council says around 480 affordable homes are needed every year, with the strongest pressure for affordable rented housing. In places like Godmanchester, strong commuter demand is making it even harder for local people to stay close to family, work and schools.
Without new homes in places like Godmanchester, more families will be forced to leave their community.
Illustrative sketch of the scheme
Our Plans
Plaza Land is bringing forward proposals for up to 1,400 new homes on land east of Roman’s Edge, Godmanchester. The site extends across around 106 hectares adjoining the settlement boundary and represents a logical extension to the town.
The land is currently formed of large arable fields with mature hedgerows, tree planting and the existing Emmanuel Knoll Plantation. Our proposals would retain this vegetation, provide public access to the area of ridge of furrow at the centre of the site, and create a green edge and softer transition from Godmanchester into the surrounding countryside.
Access to the development would be provided from both the A1307 and A1198, alongside a new internal relief road improving north-south connectivity and enabling traffic (including HGVs) to bypass the town.
The proposals will be delivered alongside associated infrastructure, including a new school, a new local centre, potential retail, and employment space.
The homes will be within easy walking and cycling distance of schools, shops, sports facilities, bus services, community buildings, play areas and local employment areas, including facilities already delivered at Romans’ Edge.
The plans would also support existing local services and businesses in Godmanchester.
Council planning policy identifies Godmanchester as a sustainable location for future housing growth, close to existing facilities and transport links. National planning policy also supports new homes in sustainable and well-connected locations like this, particularly where developments can deliver affordable housing, community facilities, open space and improved walking and cycling links.
The proposals are at an early stage. Plaza Land wants to involve residents from the outset, so your feedback is important.
What this means for Godmanchester residents: The benefits
Homes for local people
Up to 1,400 new homes, including 40% affordable housing with a focus on helping local families and first-time buyers.
Better walking, cycling & infrastructure links
New greenways, footpaths and cycle routes connecting homes with existing facilities and public transport.
A new relief road between the A1307 and A1198, supporting road safety in the local area.
Support for services
A new local centre – which may include retail, community and healthcare use.A new primary school – which may include early years provision.
Green setting
Around 44 hectares of publicly accessible green space, landscape corridors and areas for recreation and relaxation.
Energy-efficiency
Modern low-carbon homes designed around renewable energy, EV charging and reduced household energy costs.
Biodiversity improvements
New tree planting, meadow areas, ponds and habitat enhancements designed to strengthen local wildlife and biodiversity.
The site
The site lies on the eastern edge of Godmanchester between the A1307 and A1198, adjoining the existing Romans’ Edge development. It is currently formed of large agricultural fields divided by mature hedgerows, tree belts and the Emmanuel Knoll Plantation. Existing landscape features, ecological corridors and areas of ridge and furrow would help shape a strong green setting. The proposals would create a natural extension to Godmanchester with significant open space, walking routes and biodiversity enhancements woven throughout the development.
Delivered by Plaza Land
Plaza Land’s team includes Carter Jonas (planning and masterplanning), WSP (transport and drainage), Define (landscape), MKA (ecology) and Shared Voice (communications).
Further information
We’ve launched our consultation on our proposals for new homes in Godmanchester. The consultation will run from 25th June to 24th July, following which we will review all feedback received before submitting a planning application. You can provide your feedback via the feedback form on this website.
Good Neighbour is a pre-application, early engagement service run by Shared Voice. It aims to inform immediate neighbours about development plans and gives them an easy way to feedback comments.
