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As we discussed our proposals with various individuals and bodies, it became clear that there was going to be a demand for allotments.

We are confident that the 2.6 hectares (around 6 acres) of land that we have provided for allotments will meet this demand. In addition, many of the new houses will also have private gardens.

Many young families are likely to live on the site and that is why we will be providing a primary school and nurseries. But we want to make it easy for parents to walk to all of the facilities on site with their children and that is why we will be ensuring that the paths and buildings are accessible and secure for people with prams and wheelchairs and that the primary school is in close proximity to the local centre.

Some people have suggested that there should be scope for self build homes on the site. We have looked at this but it is not a preferred option. To generate the funds needed to finance the development we are proposing to sell serviced areas of land (possibly on long leases) to house builders. They will then seek full planning permission to build housing that meets the University’s design codes and contributes to the University’s overall vision for the site. The University is not convinced that self build would fit easily with this model.

Yes. If the University is to maintain and enhance its worldwide reputation it needs to attract and retain the world’s best academics and researchers. This means that it needs to continue to invest in high quality research and residential accommodation. The North West Cambridge Development is a major element of this provision.

At this stage there are no specific plans for a new college on the site, but the University but there is the capacity to bring forward such a proposal in the future if the opportunity arose. That is why the masterplan is being designed to be flexible enough to accommodate changing situations over the 20 year life of the development of this site.

Students and others were very keen to ensure that the accommodation for graduates and other key workers was affordable.

The University is keen to attract the world’s best research graduates and having accommodation that is high quality and affordable will play a key part in this.

The University is still working on a draft policy for allocation and rent levels for its key worker housing. The goal is to provide accommodation that is high quality but below market rents so that it is affordable to the different groups of people living there.