A new report has revealed progress in meeting demand for new lab and office space across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire council areas.
The document, commissioned by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning service, sets out to support the two councils’ response to the large number of proposals for laboratory and office space. It also seeks to inform the emerging joint Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
The Government has expressed concerns about whether there is sufficient supply of new space in Greater Cambridge, following a surge in planning approvals.
The report involved engagement with sector leaders, science parks, developers and business, looking at the specific requirements for the fast-growing life sciences and ICT sectors, to draw conclusions about the supply now available.
The report concludes:
- Supply for life science wet lab space from 2025 to 2030 is now substantial and sufficient to meet the expected needs, although, beyond 2030, further space will be required for the emerging joint Local Plan to meet anticipated needs to 2040 and beyond.
- There may, however, remain a shortfall in smaller spaces for life science start-up businesses of up to five people as well as scale-up businesses of six to 10 people.
- Future supply for general office space, and dry labs, to meets the needs of the burgeoning digital/ICT sector, is relatively healthy although there are likely to be additional requirements later in the 2030s
The report highlights the pivotal role Greater Cambridge plays on the national and international stage in life sciences and technology evolution but makes clear that the area will need to continue to explore ways to enhance what it offers.
Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Cambridge City Council’s executive councillor for planning, building control and infrastructure, said: “I’m very pleased to see such a significant improvement in the supply of appropriate office and lab space across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, especially the vitally important wet labs that are needed by companies working in the life sciences.
“Cambridge is nationally and internationally important and has a key role to play in the country’s future and in furthering the scientific endeavour that translates into national prosperity and improved opportunity and wellbeing for our local communities.
“This report commissioned by our planning service makes clear how we are listening to the business and research community and responding to the challenges facing knowledge intensive sectors, such as life sciences and digital.”
“I’m also pleased to see that the report highlights how the councils’ planning committees have responded to calls for more space across these important sectors in line with our commitment to sustainable development and building great places. We recognise the challenges ahead and will continue to work with national Government and our local partners to address the environmental, infrastructure and housing challenges facing the area.”
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s lead cabinet member for economic development, Cllr Peter McDonald, said in response to the findings: “It is never easy to balance the environmental impacts of growth with the need for new homes and suitable employment spaces to support our successful economy in its continued growth.
“This report indicates the positive contribution, through the granting of planning permissions, that we have been able to make towards meeting those objectives.
“I am pleased that over the last year or so, the councils’ response has been the foundation to address the immediate and pressing need for more space with permission for significant new research, lab and office spaces.
“We are now keen to see that built. We also know that we will have to continue to work with Government and its agencies on addressing the associated infrastructure, housing and environmental challenges that the area’s success creates.”
The report has been published on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website.
A detailed employment trajectory, which supported the report’s findings, will also be published later.
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