Cambridge North BtR scheme approved

Plans for 425 Build to Rent homes at Cambridge North have been approved, paving the way for the next phase of the wider regeneration around the city's railway station.

Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council have approved the Cambridge North Residential Quarter, which will transform under-used railway land into a new residential neighbourhood incorporating apartments, parks, retail space and other amenities.

The scheme is being brought forward by blocwork, a joint venture between Platform4, Network Rail's property development company, and partnership developer bloc Ltd.

Grainger has been confirmed as housing partner and will forward fund the development before operating and managing the homes following completion.

The scheme will provide a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside linear parks, pocket gardens, tree-lined streets and active ground-floor retail space.

Its location alongside Cambridge North station is central to the development proposition, providing direct rail connections into Cambridge and London as well as destinations across the wider region.

Pedestrian and cycle movement has been prioritised within the masterplan, with the transport connections intended to reduce residents' reliance on cars.

Planning officers recommended the application for approval, concluding that it would broaden housing choice and contribute to housing delivery while supporting implementation of the existing Cambridge North Masterplan.

Andrew Ferguson, Interim CEO of Platform4 and Director of blocwork, said: “This is great news and the positive decision allows us to bring under-used railway land into active use.

“Cambridge North is a great example of supporting the Government’s commitment to building more homes next to stations as we look to create a new community in one of the country's most dynamic cities.”

The approval is particularly timely following the introduction of the Government's revised National Planning Policy Framework, which gives stronger support to housing development around well-connected railway, tram and underground stations.

The new national policy establishes a “default yes” principle for homes within reasonable walking distance of qualifying stations as part of efforts to increase housing delivery in sustainable locations.

Cambridge North Residential Quarter also forms part of a broader government-backed programme to unlock publicly owned brownfield railway land for development.

The project was one of four schemes highlighted when Platform4 was launched last November. The company was established to consolidate Network Rail's property development activities and create new homes and regeneration opportunities around railway infrastructure.

Helen Gordon, Chief Executive of Grainger, said: “This is a hugely positive outcome and one that reinforces the strength of our partnership with Platform4 and blocwork.

“Cambridge North is exactly the sort of well-connected, high-demand location where our build-to-rent model can make a real difference.”

The development will form the next stage of the wider Cambridge North Masterplan being delivered by Brookgate.  Previous phases have included a 217-room hotel and commercial development occupied by businesses including Samsung, alongside supporting retail uses.

Richard Thomas, Director for bloc Ltd and blocwork, said: “Securing planning approval is a real milestone for the project. It reflects the strength of the design and the case we made for how this scheme fits into the wider Cambridge North Masterplan.

“We can now work with Grainger to turn these plans into a thriving new community.”

Bidwells provided planning support for the development, with Franklin Ellis Architects responsible for the architectural design.