What stage is the development at?

In 2005 the University produced indicative plans for the site to demonstrate the types of uses that might be appropriate and consulted widely with the local community on these initial proposals. Click here to see the consultation report.  The joint planning authorities (Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council) had agreed the broad principles of development but needed to establish planning policy for the area by producing a draft Area Action Plan (AAP).

In 2008 the University made representations to the AAP based upon a refined version of its original 2005 master plan, which took into account the findings of its public consultations. Click here to see one part of the University’s submission that explains the components of the masterplan.

The councils submitted their draft AAP to the Secretary of State in May 2008.  You can learn more about the AAP process and download all the relevant documents by visiting the websites of Cambridge City Council or South Cambridgeshire District Council.

From November 2008 to June 2009, the Government’s Planning Inspectors held a Public Examination into the proposals. During this process, in the Spring of 2009, the Inspectors asked the planning authorities to consult on a larger site option.  You can find out more about that element of the Examination on Cambridge City Council’s website.

The Inspectors’ Report on the AAP was issued on 24 August 2009. You can see their full report here. The Inspectors have found the Area Action Plan to be sound, subject to changes that are binding on the Councils. The principal changes are:

• Confirmation that the strategic need for development has been demonstrated by the University
• Clarification of the requirement to establish need for individual planning applications
• Enlargement of the Major Development Site to 91 hectares

The amended Area Action Plan will be formally adopted by the Councils in October 2009.

The University will now start work to update the master plan to meet its needs and comply with the planning policies set out in the AAP. We will undertake this review jointly with the local authorities and undertake further public consultation as part of that process. It is anticipated that we will submit this scheme for formal consideration by the local planning authorities following internal consultations and the approval process within the University.  See the timetable section of this website for more details.