The University of Cambridge has been granted outline planning permission for the future phases of Eddington, which will deliver up to 3,800 new homes in the North West Cambridge neighbourhood.
The future phases will include 50% affordable housing for university key workers, as well as 1,675 student beds, 100,000 sq m of employment space and over 50 hectares of green and open space.
The Joint Development Management Committee of the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service gave the plans the green light following a recommendation for approval from planning officers, subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement.
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 University of Cambridge says that the approval marks the next chapter in the evolution of Eddington, with the first phase having established a new neighbourhood with homes, a primary school and nursery, sports pitches shops and new public open spaces.
Future phases will aim to create a well-connected, active travel first and low-car neighbourhood.
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.”
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 programme of consultation and engagement, with over 1,500 members of the community taking part, aiming to ensure the future phases respond to community priorities while supporting the long-term needs of Cambridge.
