We are taking a new approach to finding out what people think of their neighbourhoods. It will help us work together to develop plans that work for local people.

In September 2024, we published a report which referred to possible redevelopment at Arbury Court in North Cambridge.

No decisions have been made, and there are no specific proposals for redevelopment.

However, the council is seeking flexibility in commercial leases to allow consideration of Arbury Court as part of developing a ‘Framework for Change’ for North Cambridge.

As a result, in early 2025 the council began talking to commercial leaseholders at Arbury Court about their leases, which run to 2030. During March and April 2025, the council is also offering commercial leaseholders an opportunity to meet one-to-one to discuss any concerns.

We are starting from an assumption that if there were to be a future decision to redevelop Arbury Court, we would ensure shops were able to continue trading during any development.

North Cambridge Framework for Change

The Framework for Change for North Cambridge will follow on from the work undertaken by the council's planning team to develop a North Cambridge Design Code.

A first consultation will run from May to June 2025, to hear what people value, what issues of concern there are, and any ideas for change.

Following the consultation a report will be developed which will:

• consider public responses to the consultation
• consider relevant planning and corporate objectives and constraints
• identify key issues, challenges and opportunities
• set out high level priorities and options for bringing forward development which will enhance place-making and create new sustainable homes and commercial premises
• consider the opportunities in the context of the financial constraints faced by the council and the need for schemes to be financially viable

This report will then be consulted on during a second consultation which will run in autumn 2025 and conclude by January 2026.

Dates for the diary

During the consultation in May and June there will be lots of opportunities for people to hear about the project and have their say, including the following three dates:

• Tuesday 13 May, 5.30 to 7pm, Meadows Community Centre
• Wednesday 28 May, 5.30 to 7pm, Arbury Community Centre, Small Hall
• Tuesday 10 June, 5.30 to 7pm, Brown's Field Community Centre

More information and additional events will be published in due course.

Keep up to date

More information about the North Cambridge Framework for Change consultation will be published before the consultation launches in May 2025.

To be kept updated, please email us to join our mailing list.