Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council have agreed the form of a joint Area Action Plan which was submitted on the 19 May 2008 to the Secretary of State for public Examination. This has triggered a six-week round of public consultation, during which time representations in support or objection to the Plan can be made. The consultation period starts on Monday 19 May and ends on Monday 30 June 2008.
The plan addresses the long term development needs of Cambridge University at North West Cambridge on land between Madingley Road and Huntingdon Road. The site will be developed predominantly for the University of Cambridge. The plan proposes between 2,000 and 2,500 homes, including 50% affordable housing for University and College key workers, accommodation for 2,000 students, new faculty buildings and research facilities, community facilities located in a new local centre and open space and recreation facilities.
A number of changes to the proposals have been made as a result of widespread consultation last autumn. These include modest refinements to the outer part of the site boundary that increase the site area but remain consistent with the objectives of the Area Action Plan, in particular the need to retain a green foreground setting to Cambridge consistent with the purposes of the Green Belt.
The plan seeks to ensure that the development will be built to the highest possible sustainability standards and sets ambitious targets for energy and water efficiency in line with the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM standards set by the Building Research Establishment.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the plan is invited to attend a local exhibition and speak to planning officers:
Date Venue
Tuesday 3 June, 2.00 – 8.30pm Girton Pavilion, Cambridge Road, Girton
Thursday 5 June, 2.00 – 8.30pm Ante Room, New Hall, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge
Additional unstaffed exhibitions will also be located at both councils’ offices during the consultation period:
Date Location and Time
19 May – 30 June (during normal office hours Environment & Planning Reception, Cambridge City Council, The Guildhall,
Market Square, Cambridge (Monday – Thursday 9.00am – 5.00pm, Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm)
Reception, South Cambridgeshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne Business Park, CambourneMon-Fri: 8.30am-5.00pm
Councillor David Bard, the Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder at South Cambridgeshire District Council said "Close partnership working between our two councils has led the plan-making to this stage and we are now at the forefront of the national agenda for sustainability planning in new development."
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