Hanley Grange has applied to the government for eco-town status.

Eco-towns are intended to be a combined response to three key challenges facing the UK: climate change; the need for more sustainable living and the shortage of housing, particularly in certain parts of the country.

As set out in the Eco-town Prospectus, published by the Department for Communities and Local Government in July 2007, eco-towns have provided an opportunity for local authorities, house builders, developers and registered social landlords to come together to build new settlements that will be designed to be zero carbon and to act as an example for future developments.

Hanley Grange will be a well designed, attractive place to live, with excellent services and facilities, which will connect into the existing public transport network. Situated in the heart of the South Cambridge ‘high tech’ cluster, it will make the area a more attractive place for both people seeking work amongst the local science-related industries and for prospective businesses wishing to invest in the area.

As a result, Hanley Grange has been selected as one of the 15 shortlisted sites for “eco-town” status. The Department for Communities and Local Government is now consulting on these proposals, with the final list of up to 10 sites expected to be confirmed in the autumn. To download the full consultation document please visit the Department’s website here.