New development will generate more trips, so transport is a key part of the proposals. The Garden Town partners are planning upgrades to main junctions and new walking, cycling and public transport routes to reduce reliance on the car.

Detailed transport assessments will accompany planning applications. These must demonstrate how congestion will be managed and what improvements developers will fund before permission is granted.

The Garden Town approach is to plan homes and facilities together. New neighbourhoods are expected to include schools, local centres with everyday shops, health and community facilities, as well as parks and play spaces.

The exact mix and timing of facilities will be agreed through the planning process, with developer contributions helping to fund new schools, healthcare and community infrastructure.

A key Garden Town principle is that development should sit within a strong network of green and blue spaces. This includes country parks, green corridors, habitat areas, play spaces and routes for walking and cycling.

Environmental assessments will look at wildlife, trees, landscape and flood risk. Proposals will be expected to avoid harm where possible and provide biodiversity and climate benefits where new development takes place.

There will be several stages of consultation as plans progress. These may include online surveys, public exhibitions, workshops and formal consultations on planning applications and policy documents.

Details of live and upcoming consultations will be published on this website and the relevant council planning portals, including how to submit comments and by what date.

Garden Town projects are delivered over many years. Some sites may come forward earlier than others, and each will need planning permission before construction can start.

Timelines for individual sites will be shared as part of their planning applications and updates will be provided on this website once key milestones are reached.