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UK: The University of Cambridge has secured outline planning application for the future phases of Eddington, paving the way for thousands of new homes and the continued growth of the North West Cambridge neighbourhood.
The Joint Development Management Committee of the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service gave the proposals the green light at its meeting on 16 September, following a recommendation for approval from planning officers, subject to the signing of the Section 106 agreement.
Professor Anna Philpott, pro-vice-chancellor for resources and operations at the University of Cambridge, said: “I am delighted to welcome this decision, which represents an important milestone for Eddington and for the long-term future of Cambridge. Eddington has already demonstrated how sustainable, well-planned development can create a thriving and inclusive community. These future phases will build on that success, delivering much-needed homes for University staff and students, alongside employment space, community facilities and green spaces that will benefit the whole city.”
The future phases will deliver up to 3,800 new homes, bringing the total number of homes across Eddington to approximately 5,650. Half of the new homes will be affordable housing for University key workers, helping to address housing pressures in Cambridge and reducing demand within the wider private rental market.
The approved masterplan also provides accommodation for up to 1,675 students, bringing total student accommodation at Eddington to 2,000 homes, as well as up to 100,000 square metres of employment space supporting research, innovation and mid-tech businesses.
More than a third of the development will be retained as green and open space. The plans include more than 50 hectares of informal open space, over 15 hectares of sports pitches and 3.5 hectares of play space, alongside new community facilities and pedestrian and cycle connections linking Eddington with the wider city.
At the heart of the plans is a commitment to addressing one of Cambridge’s most pressing challenges: the availability and affordability of housing. The future phases will provide more opportunities for University key workers and students to live close to where they work and study, supporting the University’s ability to attract and retain the talent that drives one of the world’s leading centres of education, research and discovery, while helping to reduce pressure on the wider housing market.
The approval marks the next chapter in the evolution of Eddington. The first phase has established a thriving neighbourhood with homes, a primary school and nursery, Storey’s Field Centre, sports pitches, shops and extensive public open spaces. The future phases will build on these foundations, creating a well-connected, active travel first, and low-car neighbourhood where homes, workplaces, community facilities and green spaces are planned together.
Matt Johnson, head of development, North West Cambridge at the University of Cambridge, said: “Today’s decision allows us to move forward with a practical response to one of Cambridge’s most pressing challenges. The success of the University and the city depend on people being able to find suitable and affordable places to live. By providing more homes for University key workers, people working in the knowledge-intensive industries, and the wider community, the future phases will support the talent behind Cambridge’s research, teaching and innovation, while helping to reduce pressure on the wider housing market. These plans are about much more than new homes. The University has already created a vibrant neighbourhood at Eddington that is fostering a strong sense of community through investment in placemaking and has become an integral part of the City. The future phases will build on these strong foundations, creating new opportunities for people to live, work and thrive in a sustainable location. We look forward to continuing to work with the local community and our partners as the detailed plans are brought forward.”
The Outline Planning Application establishes the overall framework for the future development of Eddington. Detailed proposals for individual parts of the development are expected to be brought forward through Reserved Matters Applications from early 2027.
The plans have been shaped through a comprehensive programme of consultation and engagement with more than 1,500 members of the community taking part, helping ensure the future phases respond to community priorities while supporting the long-term needs of Cambridge.
Highlights:
- The University of Cambridge has secured outline planning application for the future phases of Eddington, paving the way for thousands of new homes and the continued growth of the North West Cambridge neighbourhood.
- The future phases will deliver up to 3,800 new homes, bringing the total number of homes across Eddington to approximately 5,650
- Half of the new homes will be affordable housing for University key workers
- The approved masterplan also provides accommodation for up to 1,675 students, bringing total student accommodation at Eddington to 2,000 homes
