This page provides background and historical information and is under review. See our latest growth webpages.
Every local planning authority is required to undertake an urban capacity study to help plan for future housing development and in particular to provide robust baseline data to inform the preparation of their revised Local Plan.
Urban Capacity Study 2002
The results of the Cambridge Urban Capacity Study 2002 demonstrate that there is sufficient capacity to meet the requirements of the Structure Plan for housing within the urban area of Cambridge.
The study identifies individual sites where, in general, there may be potential for residential development on all or part of the site. It does not indicate that planning permission for residential development on a particular site would necessarily be granted.
It is also important to note that the total discounted potential does not assume all of the sites that have been identified will be ultimately be developed. An allowance has been made in the Urban Capacity Study to take account of the fact that not all of the sites identified will come forward for development.
Findings summary
The Urban Capacity Study identifies the overall capacity from 1 July 1999 as 6,531 - taking into account completions as well as implemented and unimplemented planning permissions and identified discounted potential capacity.
This total comprises:
- 451 completions from 1 July 1999 to 31 March 2002
- 832 planning permissions - implemented but not completed
- 1,242 unimplemented planning permissions (discounted by 10%)
- 335 sites with resolutions to grant planning permission subject to S106 agreement or not included in monitoring of planning permissions (discounted by 10%)
- 3,671 sites without planning permission that may have potential for residential development, taking into account the overall likelihood of development taking place on different types of sites in the years to 2016.
Figures are correct as of 31 March 2002.
Obtain the Urban Capacity Study 2002
- Urban Capacity Study 2002 - Main Study
- Appendix 1 - Completions
- Appendix 2 - Planning permissions implemented, not yet completed
- Appendix 3 - Unimplemented planning permissions
- Appendix 4 - All urban capacity wards
- Appendix 5 - All urban capacity sites by ward
- Appendix 6 - All urban capacity sites by capacity source
- Appendix 7 - Technical - not available to download
- Appendix 8 - Summary of consultation
The main report and technical appendix may be viewed at the customer service centre.
The main report can be purchased for £15 (plus postage £2.50 first class; £2.00 second class).
The technical appendix can be purchased for £20 (plus postage £2.50 first class; £1.60 second class).
