Multiplex is to make the East of England’s mounting housebuilding crisis the focus of a public inquiry into plans for a major urban community.
Multiplex Stannifer’s plans for the Mereham community in Cambridgeshire, close to Wilburton and Stretham on the A10, were thrown out in January by East Cambridgeshire council because the area is not allocated for new housing in the local structure plan.
This week, Multiplex — which took joint control of the scheme alongside the Reuben brothers, following their takeover of Stannifer owner Chelsfield in October 2004 — lodged two appeals against the decision.
Multiplex Stannifer’s proposals for the 1,687-acre site include 5,000 homes, a 490,000 sq ft office park, an 80,000 sq ft shopping centre, leisure facilities, schools and community facilities and the widening of the A10.
At public inquiry, Multiplex Stannifer will use analysis by consultant Barton Willmore to argue that there will be a 25% shortfall in the 48,000 homes needed by 2016.
Alan Paterson, director of development at Multiplex Stannifer, said: “Cambridgeshire council will fail to meet its housing targets by relying only on the sites it has identified, such as those in the green belt on the edge of Cambridge.”
There has been widespread opposition from residents concerned that the already crowded A10 will not be able to cope with the Mereham scheme.
