Development plans

Suvana is a community grounded in Buddhist values in a new neighbourhood at Northstowe by specialist cohousing developer TOWN and family-owned housebuilder Hill Group.

Following codesign by Suvana cocreators and securing planning permission, the focus now before construction starts in Autumn 2026 is to attract more potential residents.

This page explains the development - and don’t miss the plans and images at the bottom!

What’s the idea behind Suvana?

  • Co-operative, inclusive, multi-generational community

  • For community living based on Buddhist values

  • A blend of private and shared spaces

  • Co-designed by future residents with award-winning architects Mole

  • Designed for social interaction and lower-impact living

  • Collectively managed by residents

What will the homes be like?

  • 35 private apartments and houses

  • One to three-bedroom apartments and two to four-bedroom terraced houses

  • High standards of construction

  • Customisation options available (if reserved in good time)

  • Designed to support different stages of life and household types

  • Each home (except one) has a small garden, balcony or terrace

  • Highly insulated and designed to stay comfortable throughout the year while reducing energy use and running costs

  • Air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and solar panels

What shared facilities are included?

  • A Common House with a large social space, terrace lounge, co-working room, laundry and kitchen.

  • Use of three guest bedrooms and a workshop in the neighbouring choosing community

  • Dedicated spaces inside and out for meditation and bodywork

  • Shared gardens with space for food growing, playing, relaxing in nature and connecting with others

  • Car-free lane runs between Suvana and adjacent cohousing community

  • Plenty of secure bicycle storage

  • Car share scheme plus parking for private cars

Is the location any good?

  • Site is bordered by parkland and is a few minutes walk from lakes

  • In Northstowe, a growing new town in Cambridgeshire

  • 20 minutes from central Cambridge by guided bus

  • On a network of walking and cycling routes

  • Close to schools, sports centre, community centre…

  • Adjacent to town centre amenities being developed

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What shall I do next?