Learning through example

Cambridgeshire Partnerships has been on a number of exemplar visits as part of its ongoing programme of looking at quality affordable housing and quality services within the public realm.

Upton, Northampton 

Upton was of interest to Cambridgeshire Partnerships as a new community is beginning to take shape at Upton, with residents having moved into the first stages of development of this sustainable urban extension on the southwest fringe of Northampton.

Upton was granted an original outline planning permission in 1997 as Phase 1 of the strategic urban expansion within the southwest district of Northampton, to develop approximately 1020 homes, a primary school, a local centre, medical centre, nursery and other community facilities.

In 2001, with revised Government recommendations for development, English Partnerships (EP) as landowner, together with Northampton Borough Council and the Prince’s Foundation embarked on a project to create an urban extension that would promote best practice in sustainable urban growth.

Hampton, Peterborough

Hampton is a newly developing township in Peterborough. There are currently two neighbourhoods within Hampton - Hampton Hargate and Hampton Vale. A third area, Hampton Leys is now under construction and a fourth, Hampton Hempsted has been approved.

Cambridgeshire Partnerships visited Hampton to look at high-density living and the issues surrounding it, the design of apartments and communal areas and the services of the Estate Rangers team who maintain the communal parts at Hampton on behalf of Cross Keys, one of the affordable housing providers.

Kings Hill, Kent

Kings Hill in the borough of Tonbridge and Malling, Kent is a major development of both residential and commercial space. Managed by Kings Hill developer Liberty Property Trust, Cambridgeshire Partnerships visited the development to see how affordable housing was integrated within the scheme and to discuss management perspectives with the landlord, Russett Homes.