A visualisation of the Eddington scheme. Image credit: University of Cambridge
Plans to deliver up to 3,800 additional homes at the University of Cambridge’s Eddington development have been approved, paving the way for a major expansion of the university-led scheme.
The outline planning application was given the green light by Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council’s joint development management committee, despite concerns from local residents about housing density and the capacity of existing infrastructure.
The proposed expansion will increase the total number of homes at Eddington to 5,648, significantly exceeding the 3,000 homes originally approved in 2013. A total of 1,848 homes have been delivered during the development’s first phase.
The university said the new phases would address the growing demand for housing in Cambridge, with 50 per cent of the proposed homes designated as affordable housing for university key workers.
Matt Johnson, head of development for North West Cambridge at the University of Cambridge, said access to affordable accommodation remained a significant recruitment challenge.
“For many of the people the university needs to recruit, finding a suitable and affordable home in Cambridge is a significant barrier,” he said. “Addressing that challenge is essential to the university’s continued success and, in turn, to Cambridge’s wider economy.”
The plans also include accommodation for up to 1,675 students, bringing the total student accommodation provision at Eddington to approximately 2,000 homes.
More than one-third of the expanded development will comprise green and open space, while proposals include new community facilities and improved pedestrian and cycle connections.
However, residents raised concerns over whether local infrastructure would be able to support the additional population. A representative of Storey’s Way Residents Association also questioned the development’s density, claiming it would be around three times that of Cambridge city.
The approval comes amid wider planning policy changes recognising the need for substantial housing growth to support Cambridge’s economic development.
Professor Anna Philpott, the university’s pro-vice chancellor for resources and operations, welcomed the decision, saying the future phases would build on Eddington’s existing community and sustainability credentials.
Detailed proposals for individual parts of the development are expected to be brought forward from early 2027. The outline approval establishes the framework for the expansion, with specific designs and delivery details still subject to further planning decisions.
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Plans to deliver up to 3,800 additional homes at the University of Cambridge’s Eddington development have been approved, paving the way for a major expansion of the university-led scheme.
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