Countryside Properties, a part of Vistry Group, has secured planning permission for thousands of new homes on the former Second World War airfield in Bourn, South Cambridgeshire.
The developer brought forward the plans in February 2021 but the decision on the scheme was delayed amid infrastructure constrains as well as water supply issues in Greater Cambridge.
The council has now been able to give the final green light for the scheme, thanks to a letter to the secretary of state from South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City Council leaders, and the establishment by the government of a Water Scarcity Group for Cambridge with £8m of initial funding.
The proposed scheme will deliver 3,500 homes, of which 40% will be affordable. In addition, Countryside will dedicate more than 45% of the site to open spaces and green elements such as woodlands, footpaths, bridleways and hedges and recreation areas.
The completed legal agreement with the landowners will also provide more than £100m of funding for new health facilities, schools, community and transport infrastructure.
Bridget Smith, leader at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Our focus has been on ensuring that we only issued the formal planning decision for Bourn Airfield once there was more clarity on the sustainable future of Greater Cambridge’s water supply.
“The progress made to date and the continuing work with government means we are now satisfied this development, which is part of our adopted 2018 Local Plan, should be allowed to progress. There continues to be a delicate balance to strike between bringing forwards the homes which we know we desperately need whilst protecting our environment.
“We have long said we cannot simply pursue growth at all costs, and the time and care which we have taken to reach this point shows just how seriously we take this responsibility.”
Image from Countryside Properties
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