Planning permission for 3,500 homes at Bourn Airfield, which has been on hold for three years, has finally been granted.
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee first considered the scheme, put forward by developer and landowner Countrywide, in February 2021, but details around infrastructure and later, water supply issues, meant the approval could not be completed.
Now, following a letter to the Secretary of State by South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City Council leaders, and the establishment by the Government of a Water Scarcity Group for Cambridge with £8 million initial funding, the council has completed the scheme’s approval.
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s leader Cllr Bridget Smith said: “Our focus has quite rightly 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. We look forward to this new village – and all the facilities it will bring – coming forwards in the years ahead.”
The scheme will have 40 per cent affordable housing and the completed legal agreement with the landowner will provide in excess of £100m for new health facilities, schools, community and transport infrastructure. More than 45 per cent of the site will be open spaces, green elements such as woodlands, footpaths, bridleways and hedges and recreation areas.
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