The Homes and Communities Agency has also reaffirmed its commitment to make land available so a secondary school can be built alongside an early phase of construction to take pupils from Northstowe and Longstanton.

The endorsement of the masterplan is the latest boost for the scheme after the Government confirmed plans to push ahead with an upgrade to the A14 which is a vital road link for Northstowe.

Cambridgeshire District Council now expect a revised planning application for the first phase to be presented to in the autumn by developers Gallagher and the HCA.

Cllr Tim Wotherspoon, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for Northstowe, said: “We are all aiming to make sure Northstowe is a great place to live, work and go to school and now the masterplan has been approved by councillors we will continue to work with developers to make sure the any plans are of the highest quality and deliver social, economic and environmental benefits.

“There is a huge demand for new homes in South Cambridgeshire, including properties that are affordable, to support the growth in new jobs. However, we must make sure that we build a community at Northstowe that is right for existing and new residents.”

Cllr Ian Bates, Cambridgeshire County Council’s cabinet member for growth and planning, said: “After news that the upgrade of the A14 has taken a big step forward this week, it is great to see Northstowe doing likewise.

“If we get this critical development right it can help boost the economic prosperity of the whole County and with new transport links such as the Busway, and the new rail station planned for the Cambridge Science Park, it will attract business and make it even easier for residents to access jobs.”