Plans for almost 4,000 new homes in north west Cambridge have been given the green light.
The outline planning application, from the University of Cambridge for 3,800 homes at Eddington, was given the go-ahead by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service on September 16.
Eddington is a new sustainable community on the outskirts of Cambridge, the first step in the North West Cambridge Development, and is the largest capital project in the history of the university.
The additional 3,800 homes will bring the number of homes across Eddington to around 5,650. Half of the new homes will be affordable housing for university key workers.
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 plans include accommodation for up to 1,675 students and up to 100,000m² of employment space, with more than a third of the development retained as green and open space.
Matt Johnson, Head of Development, North West Cambridge at the University of Cambridge, said the green light allowed the university 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,” he said.
“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.
