Provision of much needed new housing, half of which will be secured as affordable homes for local needs

High quality design, reflecting the best examples of existing homes, materials, boundary treatment and landscaping found in Middleton Cheney village

Areas of open space that far exceed policy requirements, with almost half the site (c. 4.5 hectares / 11 acres) of the site will be laid out, managed and protected in perpetuity as publicly accessible greenspace, available for new residents and the wider village community to use and enjoy in perpetuity.

A variety of uses that will benefit the local community, biodiversity and nature conservation, including children’s play areas, wildflower meadows, ponds and wetlands, grassland, woodland walks and community growing areas/community orchards.

Supporting the climate change agenda, with a focus on well-designed open spaces, energy efficient new homes, a sustainable drainage design and a sustainable edge of village location where people can easily (and will be encouraged to) walk, cycle and use public transport to access employment, shops and other services and facilities.

Biodiversity gains that exceed the legislative 10% requirement, representing a real gain for nature recovery over the current arable use of the land.

Increased expenditure from construction activity, and from new residents of the scheme, to help support existing village shops, services and facilities.

Funding of improvements needed to local community and social infrastructure, such as schools, GP practices and roads as a result of the development to be secured by a Section 106 legal agreement.