Alconbury 'enterprise zone' gets first of 500,000 trees

The first of 500,000 trees has been planted to mark the start of work on Cambridgeshire's new "enterprise zone".

The parkland will form part of the 1,400-acre (570 hectares) business and residential site at Alconbury.

Developer Urban&Civic said phased planting of a range of trees would ensure "impact and an evolving and developing natural landscape".

Up to 5,000 homes are also planned for the area and it is hoped about 8,000 jobs will be created.

Urban&Civic managing director, Robin Butler, said it was important to balance hi-tech business plans with the needs of the local community.

The company proposes to include "significant green and open spaces" together with paths and bridleways.