Appeal won for transformative £750 million GDV life science and residential scheme in North Cambridge

The move comes after a Planning Inspector’s appeal stemming from the failure of South Cambridgeshire District Council to determine a decision for the scheme last year.

Property consultancy Bidwells launched the appeal and supported it by providing evidence on planning, housing and build-to-rent supply, market employment dynamics, and matters related to retail.

The decision noted the Inspector’s conclusion that the scheme would comply with the Government’s vision for Cambridge 2040 and highlighted the “number of economic, environmental and social” benefits it would bring to North Cambridge and the wider region. This includes meeting a shortfall of research and development office and lab space in Cambridge.

The decision noted, “The Inspector states that great weight should be assigned to economic benefits. In accordance with paragraph 85 of the Framework, the Secretary of State assigns significant weight to economic growth and productivity benefits, and driving innovation.”

Mike Derbyshire, Head of Planning at Bidwells, said:

Bidwells is delighted to have played an instrumental role in this milestone success for both Cambridge and the UK at large.
 
This genuinely transformative development will bring tangible economic, environmental, and social benefits to the region through the provision of much-needed, high quality office and lab space to support Cambridge’s world leading knowledge industry. It is a genuine mixed use development with 425 residential units of which 60% will be BTR along with flexible community uses and high quality public realm.
 
Crucially, the decision now provides clarity on the water supply issues that has stalled a number of major commercial and residential  schemes in the City.
 
It is heartening to see the government support its vision for Cambridge 2040 in a meaningful way. This kind of conviction is needed if we are truly serious about fulfilling Cambridge and Britain’s full potential as a scientific superpower.

Read the full decision here.