The University of Cambridge has submitted a planning application to Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council for a major new development on its land between Huntingdon Road and Madingley Road. This application contains its proposals for a new community of housing, employment and local services in North West Cambridge. This will help to secure the long term future of the University by enabling it to meet its residential and research accommodation needs over the next 20 years.

The plans are the result of extensive consultation with the public, local authorities and other stakeholders over many years.

The new development is a key part of the University’s commitment to maintaining its status as a world-class institution, and is vital if it is to continue to attract the world’s best staff and postgraduate students to Cambridge.

The scheme will also bring high quality design, new facilities and a variety of green spaces and recreation areas to the North West of the city for the benefit of the wider community. The high environmental standards proposed for the buildings, transport energy and waste will ensure that the development will be one of the most sustainable communities in the UK.

The application is based upon the local planning authorities’ approved Area Action Plan for the site. It includes:

* 1,500 houses and flats for key University staff

* 1,500 houses and flats for general sale to the public

* Accommodation for 2,000 post graduate students

* 100,000m2 of research buildings

* A primary school and early years provision - including two nurseries

* A community centre which will include medical facilities, shops, a community hall, supermarket hotel and accommodation for elderly people

* Public open space, accessible to all, for sport and informal use, which will account for around one third of the site,

* Protection of the existing Site of Special Scientific Interest

Project Director Roger Taylor commented:- "The University’s proposals for this sustainable, mix use development have been designed to help meet the University’s future research and accommodation needs. As a world class university Cambridge is planning for the future and this proposal will allow it to continue to attract the best students and staff, as well as enhancing the city’s existing communities by bringing high quality design and a range of new facilities to the area."

The local planning authorities will consult local residents on the proposals to inform their decision.

Details of their consultation can be found on the South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council websites.

The councils will also be holding two consultation exhibitions. These will take place at the Felix Hotel, Whitehouse Lane, Huntingdon Road, CB3 0LF at the following times:

Saturday 15th October (11am – 4pm)

Thursday 20th October (3pm – 8pm)

Members of the University’s professional team will be available at both events to answer questions.

The full planning application on the councils’ websites and hard copies of the application and supporting documents can be seen at the offices of both councils.

It is hoped that a decision on the application will be made in the Spring of 2012.

See the full and summary applications here or visit the South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council websites for information on how to submit feedback on the project.

Note: The councils’ consultation period is now closed.