Proposals for a major development of 1,200 homes on the southern fringe of Cambridge were agreed last week (20 February 2008) by councillors from Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council.
The Joint Development Control Committee for the Cambridge Fringes granted outline planning permission for Trumpington Meadows, which will feature a new primary school with community facilities, local shops and a new 60-hectare country park. The development will provide 40% affordable housing. It will contribute over £24 million to new social and physical infrastructure such as the guided bus, the new access road to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, a new secondary school, and a community centre and health centre planned for the Clay Farm site on the east side of Trumpington. In addition, a ‘dowry’ of £3.3 million will be provided to the Wildlife Trust to fund the long-term management of the country park.
The Trumpington Meadows development is the first of four proposed housing developments for the southern fringe of Cambridge to be considered by the new Joint Development Control Committee. The site straddles the administrative boundaries of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils. The Joint Committee, which also includes members of Cambridgeshire County Council, has been set up to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to the expansion of urban Cambridge.
A total of 4,000 new homes are planned for the whole of the southern fringe. This is the first major site to come forward as part of plans to deliver 47,500 homes across the Cambridge Sub-Region by 2016. The southern fringe development, together with major expansions for the north-west and the east of the city, and at Northstowe, are being progressed as a joint effort between the local authorities with Cambridgeshire Horizons.
"This is a really important step forward", said Sir David Tripper, chairman of Cambridgeshire Horizons. “It is testament to the good partnership working with the local authorities and the support that we have received from the government to help fund vital infrastructure, such as the new Addenbrooke’s Access Road. I have no doubt that this success will continue as development progresses, and hope that this can pave the way for further investment in the Cambridge sub-region.”
Councillor Sian Reid, executive councillor for Climate Change and Growth at Cambridge City Council, said "We are working hard to make sure that the growth around Cambridge delivers attractive and sustainable new neighbourhoods, including affordable housing, close to a good range of facilities, and supported by effective transport networks. The commitment of the City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and the County Council to 40% affordable housing is particularly important. We now hope that the Housing Corporation will provide sufficient financial support to enable the desired proportion of social rented housing."
Councillor David Bard, portfolio-holder for Growth and Sustainable Communities at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said "This decision demonstrates how authorities are working together to deliver manageable and sustainable growth. High standards have been set for community infrastructure and for the quality of design and landscape at Trumpington Meadows. These are standards that we expect the other proposed developments to match and, if possible, exceed."
Cambridgeshire County Councillor Roy Pegram, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Services, said: "This is a good example of Cambridgeshire councils working together to build new communities. Planning and managing development in and around Cambridge is one of the greatest challenges facing the county. It is this partnership working that will help secure Cambridgeshire’s future prosperity."
- ends -