June 2026 Update
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views on the updated proposals for Bowmans Cross during our spring 2026 engagement.
In March 2026, Urban&Civic shared an updated vision and masterplan for Bowmans Cross, following consultation and ongoing technical work since 2021. We invited feedback through public exhibitions, the project website, an online and paper survey, a newsletter delivered to more than 8,000 homes and businesses, and ongoing conversations with parish councils, schools and local stakeholders.
The feedback received, which provides a valuable picture of local priorities, continues to shape the outline planning application.
We are now progressing design work focusing on the key issues raised and will share an update before the end of the summer.
Transport and traffic
Transport was the most frequently raised issue in the spring, with respondents citing existing congestion, particularly around the Bell Roundabout, increased pressure on local roads, in particular along Coursers Road and a desire for improved bus services.
Respondents asked for clear evidence of how traffic will be managed and we will provide more detail in our next update.
Protecting the local environment
The importance of the surrounding countryside and Green Belt was a major theme. Residents highlighted the value of existing wildlife, habitats and open countryside and the importance of maintaining the character of nearby villages.
Where development was supported, it was often on the basis that environmental protection was a central and long-term priority.
Community infrastructure first
A key message was that new homes must be supported by early and guaranteed infrastructure, including schools, health services, where many feel existing provision is under pressure and local amenities and community facilities. There was a strong expectation that infrastructure should be delivered alongside, not after, new housing.
Ongoing engagement
Urban&Civic recently prepared a submission to the council’s emerging Local Plan (Regulation 18 stage), setting out our vision for Bowmans Cross and how feedback received to date has helped shape the proposals.
Alongside this, we continue to engage with local schools through workshops with young people to better understand how they use the area and what they would like to see included in the proposals.
You can still view the latest material here.
Do check back soon for updates or you can contact the team anytime at bowmanscross@urbanandcivic.com
If there is a local group you think we should meet, have any additional feedback or questions for the team, please do get in touch.
