The Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) has submitted plans for a new mixed-tenure development of 84 affordable and market sale homes at Fanshawe Road in the Coleridge Ward of the city.
The proposed development comprises 45 new affordable homes designed to Passivhaus-equivalent performance levels, consisting of 34 for social rent and 11 for intermediate rent. There will also be 39 high-quality private sale homes.
In addition to providing much-needed modern accommodation, the new homes will be built to high sustainability standards, eliminate gas usage entirely and meet national guidelines for space.
The site was originally home to 30 ageing homes (20 council apartments and 10 leasehold apartments) built in the 1950s, which were no longer cost-effective to maintain or renovate. Extensive consultations have been conducted with existing residents, who are in the process of being rehomed to facilitate the redevelopment.
The proposal includes the construction of 76 homes within four apartment buildings, with a further eight houses positioned on the eastern and western boundaries of the site. This includes four wheelchair-accessible homes for council tenants, exceeding planning policy requirements by 5%.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing and Homelessness at Cambridge City Council and CIP Board Member said: “It is important that we provide new developments across the city that are socially inclusive, diverse, and cohesive with a mixture of homes that reflect the needs of people from different ages and abilities along with the Council’s housing requirements.
“At the same time, as a council, we must balance financial viability, the likelihood of successful grant applications from Homes England, and development costs over a 10-year housing programme. This proposed development will provide us with further funds that the partnership can reinvest into the programme to deliver more new homes across the city.”
Tom Hill, Managing Director at The Hill Group commented: “We have gone through extensive consultation with the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service and the local community to reach this point and are delighted to be submitting this planning application.
“In addition to providing high-quality new homes, we will be enriching the open space with a new play area and amenities that families can enjoy, alongside creating a green corridor with enhanced links between Fanshawe Road and the Coleridge Recreation Ground.”
The new development will achieve a 35% biodiversity net gain through a carefully considered landscaping design that incorporates a wide variety of trees and wildflowers, while preserving existing mature trees. All the homes will have views of green open space, with 85% offering dual aspects, and all flat roofs will feature green roofs for effective rainwater management.
Enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes through the development will encourage sustainable travel, with secure cycle parking and EV charging points.
To reduce the impact on local water resources, water usage will be restricted to less than 99 litres per person per day. Additionally, the inclusion of underground bins, which have greater capacities, will reduce the frequency of collections and save energy.
