Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital approved despite water concerns

Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital would aim to treat cancer with more precision, an NHS trust said

Construction of a Cancer Research Hospital could start next year after plans were approved by councillors, despite concerns over water supply.

The hospital would be based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

The Environment Agency (EA) objected to the plans, with the region facing a long-term water shortage.

Council officers said appropriate steps had been taken to ensure environmental impacts relating to water abstraction were minimised.

The seven-story hospital was backed by the Joint Development Control Committee, comprising of councillors from the city and South Cambridgeshire authorities.

It has 77 single rooms for patients and will bring doctors and scientists under one roof.

'Transform lives'

However, in a report, the EA said the development would place demands on the potable water supply - which is water that is safe to drink - "giving rise to potential harm to waterbodies".

The report, however, did add that the new hospital would be more efficient in water consumption compared to existing cancer facilities locally, while maintaining high levels of infection control measures through handwashing and cleaning activities.

It said the building had been designed with environmental measures to conserve water, as well as other sustainability features.

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Dr Hugo Ford, director of cancer services at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said he welcomed planning approval.

"Our new specialist research hospital will be the first of its kind for the East of England and will transform the lives of the millions of people diagnosed with cancer.

"Careful consideration of sustainability and environmental impact of new developments is incredibly important.

Dr Hugo Ford said the hospital would "transform lives"

"We're continuing to work closely with our partners and the local planning authority to ensure we balance the water safety requirements of a new hospital development, against the wider water resource challenges, both of which are fundamental for the future health and wellbeing of our patients, staff and community."

He added that the hospital remained on track to start full construction late next year, opening in 2029.