The purpose of this Urban Design Framework, which was adopted by the Council as Interim Planning Guidance on 17th March 2005, is to provide guidance to potential developers on how the area of land incorporating the Anglian Water Group headquarters (AWG) should be developed in line with Huntingdonshire District Council’s planning and design requirements. The guidance will reflect wider visual and townscape considerations as well as site-specific opportunities and constraints.

The existing AWG headquarters may become vacant as part of the company’s restructuring operations. If this is to occur, it is important that a firm strategy for the area’s future is in place - including provision for the removal of the existing office building if this becomes an option.

The Council is seeking to:
• replace the existing AWG office building with a development of more appropriate layout, form and scale;
• improve pedestrian links between the town centre and town park;
• improve the environment along the south-western edge of the park;
• deliver a mix of uses to enhance the viability of the town centre;
• create a high quality re-development that improves the wider townscape.

The Council expects to see development proposals that are appropriate for the location and in line with Government guidance and good practice in urban design.