A major development project in Cambridge, which aims to build 5,600 new homes, has been temporarily “frozen” as developers await a government decision on the relocation of a sewage works.
The Hartree development, led by developers LandsecU+I and Town, had planned to submit a planning application in March, but the project is now on hold until the crucial sewage works relocation is approved.
The success of the Hartree development depends on the approval of a new sewage works, which would replace the existing waterworks facility on the proposed site.
Anglian Water applied for permission to build the new Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant, located north of the A14 at Honey Hill, between Horningsea and Fen Ditton.
A decision was originally scheduled for 12 January but has been delayed until 14 April by the Secretary of State for Environment, Steve Reed.
Mike Bodkin, head planner at Town, confirmed that the Hartree scheme is currently “frozen” but said that an outline planning application would be submitted shortly after the sewage works relocation is approved.
The Hartree development is designed to include 5,600 homes, with 90% of them being flats. In addition to the housing, the project could also feature two primary schools, a library, a health hub, a sports hall, and flexible community or cultural facilities.
Developers previously claimed that there is no development quite like Hartree “anywhere in the world yet” and that it would “set a new standard” for future housing projects.
At a joint committee meeting of Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council on Wednesday, Labour councillor Katie Thornburrow raised concerns about “misinformation” regarding car access to the development.
Some had claimed that no cars would be allowed on-site, but developers confirmed that car access would be provided, with the goal of creating “excellent walking and cycling facilities” to encourage car-free living.
The developers plan to incorporate four mobility hubs around the site’s edges, providing parking spaces, car club options, access to e-bikes, buses, and other transport. Disabled parking spaces will be
provided near accessible homes. The development also plans to limit the number of parking spaces, using landscaping and a system of fines to discourage inappropriate parking.
Mike Bodkin explained, ” We are not dictating who can come and live here, but what we are saying is that, if they want to come live here, they are then buying into the vision,” he said.
“If they want to live with a car then there will be an additional cost and they will be paying to use a space.”
