Heidi Allen was on BBC One's Sunday Politics Show today, Sunday, with District Councillor Alex Riley, discussing housing and Northstowe – this followed the surprise announcement from the government it is proposing to take responsibility for building the new town (see below).
Earlier in the week, Heidi was also on BBC Radio Cambs' The big conversation with Paul Stainton in a 'lively' mid-week debate on the Autumn Statement.
Sunday 7th December 2014
TV Interview on BBC One's Sunday Politics Show – predominantly about Northstowe, with Alex Riley, beginning at 42 mins 20 secs, with main part starting at 49 mins 25 secs.
Wednesday 3rd December 2014
Discussion on BBC Radio Cambs about the Autumn Statement. Heidi's part starts at 21 mins.
Northstowe – the government's announcement
One of the key proposals is for the government to master-plan, directly commission, build and even sell homes.
A pilot programme on a government-owned former RAF base in Northstowe, near Cambridge, will see the Homes and Communities Agency leading development of 10,000 homes, twice as fast as conventional approaches.
This is the first time in a generation the government has owned land, led a development on it at this scale, and considered commissioning homes directly for sale.
This approach will fast track the development by providing certainty, making new homes available more quickly.
The government will make an upfront investment but expects later costs will be met through the sale of land and homes.
The government will also evaluate the feasibility and economic impacts of rolling out this model on a wider scale, to support and accelerate housing supply.
Further reading: