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Policy S/NWC: North West Cambridge

Figure 27: Map of proposed policy area S/NWC
Figure 27: Map of proposed policy area S/NWC

What will this policy do?-

This policy will guide the continued development of the University’s North West Cambridge development, known as Eddington, including additional policy provision to accommodate the additional homes identified in the development strategy.

Proposed policy direction-

The updated policy will enable the development of additional dwellings on the site beyond those identified in current plans, provided through changes to the dwelling mix and appropriate intensification of development areas that have yet to be built. This will be identified in the draft following a detailed review of the site wide masterplan, but is anticipated to be in the region of 1,000 to 1,500 homes.

The North West Cambridge Area Action Plan requires a minimum of 50% affordable housing to meet the needs of Cambridge University and College key workers in housing need, subject to viability considerations, whether there are other planning objectives that need to be given priority, and the need to ensure balanced and sustainable communities. Up to date evidence of the need for affordable housing for key workers will be required.  If need is not demonstrated, provision should be in the form of normal affordable housing.

Additional dwellings will be built in areas already identified for development, and would not take land identified for open space.  Additional dwellings will create additional infrastructure demands, and additional contributions to infrastructure will be required to pay for the enhancement of facilities. 

The potential for a single policy that looks at this site together with the University’s West Cambridge site, to ensure the benefits of this significant area of innovation are maximised, will be considered as part of preparing the draft plan.