Tempsford new town – your Parish Council’s views
As of March 2026, the UK government confirmed Tempsford in Central Bedfordshire as one of seven shortlisted sites for a new town, potentially transforming the area into a massive 40,000-home development. Located on the former RAF Tempsford airfield, this proposal aims to create a new market town by the East Coast Main Line and the proposed East-West Rail intersection
Your parish council has been ensuring it is kept up to date on all developments regarding Tempsford as it will clearly affect a large area, including Gamlingay. It has responded to the New Towns Draft Programme consultation and shared its response with neighbouring parishes with a suggestion that we all keep in touch to act together on this.
Gamlingay Parish Council’s response (summary)
What do you believe are the barriers to delivery at Tempsford?
At least 15% of the proposed SEA area identified for Tempsford is in the river Ouse floodplain and is waterlogged for much of the winter period. Proposing a development of 40,000 housing units on this land is unsustainable. The SEA report recognises the requirement for increased flood barrier protection for this land in order to facilitate a development. Surely this demonstrates that this site IS NOT A SUSTAINABLE ONE. The lack of clean water supply for new developments to fulfil the current development need in this area is currently a real problem. The proposed solutions (piping water from Grafham Water and the creation of two new reservoirs are not going to resolve this issue in the short term. There is also a lack of sewerage infrastructure. The nearby gas powered power station at Little Barford is being decommissioned and there is not an alternative generating facility in the region. The land is primarily high grade agricultural land and has an important role in delivering food security for our area.
Do you think the SEA report has identified the main environmental issues relevant to Tempsford?
No. Floodplain-significant amount of land is under water for much of the winter period. Gamlingay Wood is an SSSI and numerous County Wildlife sites-significant existence of remnant acid grassland and ancient woodland exist in proximity and within the identified area. These environments need protection and enhancement-Cambridgeshire is the most nature depleted natural landscape in the country. The majority of the area identified in the SEA sits within Cambridgeshire-an area identified as proposed to be located within the Cambridge Development Corporation boundary (Greater Cambridge).
Reference should be made to the Cambridgeshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
Social and economic benefits of New Towns- impact shown in the SEA on the Gamlingay Everton Abbotsley and Waresley communities consultation report mentions transport connectivity within the new town but there is no mention about creating connectivity with the existing communities within the
wider area identified in the SEA. There needs to be a clear community benefit identified for the existing communities who experience these ‘minor negative effects’ in the short term. 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is insufficient, the emerging Greater Cambridgeshire plan requires 20% BNG for major
developments. Existing communities should see enhanced local cycling, walking, riding and accessible transport travel options from their front door.
Creation of jobs and employment opportunities and services are essential. Just providing a ‘travel hub station’ requiring those who live there to travel is not sustainable development.
Is there any additional environmental information about Tempsford that the SEA should take into account?
Yes. LNRS for Central Bedfordshire and Greater Cambridge, Gamlingay parish Councils biodiversity Audit and supporting themes, Gamlingay and Pottons Neighbourhood Plan, Potton Town Councils Green Wheel, SUSTRAN report linking communities to local train stations (Sandy) – cycle infrastructure
(supporting document of Gamlingays Neighbourhood Plan)