200 new homes should be built, say council officers

The latest proposals set out more details of what the development could look like

Planning officers have recommended that 200 new homes should be built.

A decision will be made on the proposed housing development for Netherhall Farm, Cambridge on 24 April.

Concerns were raised that the homes would be “overdevelopment”, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The developer has claimed the proposal offered “significant benefits" and it has been recommended for approval by Cambridge City Council planning officers.

The new development is proposed to be built off Wort’s Causeway to the south of the city.

Councillors will be asked to make the final decision on whether the development goes ahead at a meeting next week.

The developer, Cala Homes (North Homes Counties) Limited, said it would create an “inclusive and well-designed” development which it claimed would offer a number of benefits for the city.

The development would include 76 flats, 22 two-bedroom houses, 51 three-bedroom houses, 49 four-bedroom houses and two five-bedroom homes.

Outline planning permission to develop the land for up to 200 homes was formally approved in 2022

Of the 200 homes, 80 are proposed to be made as affordable housing through a mix of social and affordable rented homes and shared ownership.

In planning documents the developer said: “[It will be] a scheme that sensitively responds to the green belt and is within the parameters approved at the outline stage, [and includes] incorporation of sustainability and water measures going beyond the requirements of planning policy.”

Concerns were raised by some people in the area with 10 objections lodged with the city council.

The issues raised included opposition to green belt development on the edge of the city and concerns that 200 new homes would be “overdevelopment”.