Stop Forest City
A proposal to build a city of up to 1 million people on 45,000 acres of countryside near Cambridge.
Independent information, updates and analysis of the proposed Forest City development.
45,000 acres of countryside
One of the largest greenfield developments ever proposed in the UK.
400,000 homes
Equivalent to building a city larger than Bristol.
1 million residents
Potential pressure on local infrastructure, water and transport systems.
Add your voice to the campaign
Sign the petition to show your opposition to the Forest City proposal.
What is Forest City?
Forest City is a privately led proposal to build Britain's first new city in over 50 years on farmland east of Cambridge. The developers plan 45,000 acres of land, 400,000 homes, and around 1 million residents—a footprint roughly equal to Bristol. West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy has warned it would "erase ancient villages … destroying vast tracts of irreplaceable countryside and productive farmland." We provide independent information and a voice for those with concerns.
Learn moreWhat we know — and what we don't
The Forest City proposal is currently at a very early stage.
Developers have outlined a vision for a new city of up to one million people, but many critical details remain unclear.
Key unanswered questions include:
- No detailed site masterplan has been published
- No confirmed transport infrastructure strategy
- No environmental impact assessment
- No water supply solution
- No local authority planning application
Until these details exist, the proposal remains largely conceptual.
Proposed development process
The developers describe a five-phase process for bringing the proposal forward:
- 1Phase 1 – Prove demand
- 2Phase 2 – Build the business case
- 3Phase 3 – Deep feasibility studies
- 4Phase 4 – Pass legislation and establish development corporation
- 5Phase 5 – Break ground
Large infrastructure projects and new cities typically take decades to progress from concept to construction.
Key concerns
Residents and local organisations have raised these issues in relation to the Forest City proposal.
Loss of countryside and farmland
The proposal covers 45,000 acres of largely grade 2 agricultural land—prime farmland needed for food security. Britain produces only about half its own food and cannot afford to sacrifice such land.
Pressure on infrastructure
Schools, water supply, sewage, and healthcare are already stretched. East Anglia is one of Britain's most water-stressed regions. Delivering infrastructure for 1 million people would be a colossal undertaking.
Water stress
East Anglia faces severe water stress. Critics question whether reservoirs and water infrastructure can realistically be delivered for a city of 1 million people.
Impact on villages and communities
The city would subsume ancient villages like Cowlinge, Great Thurlow, and Withersfield—erasing communities. Development corporation powers could bypass local democratic control.
Questions over affordability and jobs
Even at £350,000, homes may be beyond many families. The plan offers no binding job commitments from employers. The CLT model has been criticised as internally contradictory.
Democratic and planning concerns
The project relies on parliamentary legislation to grant development corporation powers that override normal planning and local democratic control—effectively a charter city.
Understanding the scale
See the indicative area that could be affected by the proposed development. Exact boundaries are not yet finalised.
View full mapLatest news & updates
Stay informed with the latest developments on the Forest City proposal.
What is Forest City?
Developers propose building Britain's first new city in over 50 years on farmland east of Cambridge—45,000 acres, 400,000 homes, and around 1 million residents.
Latest Planning Update
A summary of the most recent planning developments and what they mean for the local community.
Why are locals concerned?
From farmland loss to water stress, infrastructure pressure to democratic concerns—here's why opposition is growing.
Local voices
What residents and local representatives are saying about the proposal.
“This proposal would erase ancient villages … destroying vast tracts of irreplaceable countryside and productive farmland.”
— Nick Timothy, West Suffolk MP
“The scale of what's being proposed is disproportionate. Our infrastructure can't support it.”
— Parish councillor
“We deserve transparency and a real say. This campaign gives us that voice.”
— Local resident
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions about the campaign and the proposal.
Help stop Forest City
Sign the petition and stay informed about the proposal.