Plans have been submitted for 120 affordable homes and community facilities at two regeneration sites in East Barnwell in Cambridge.

The Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) plans include a library, preschool, public open spaces, commercial premises and sustainable, affordable homes.

The sustainable, gas-free properties will be a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom flats and three-bedroom maisonettes, with emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, energy bills, and annual maintenance costs.

The proposals will replace 18 ageing flats with 48 social rented and 72 intermediate rent homes. Four of the new homes have been designed for people with disabilities.

The two sites are currently home to the Abbey Bowls Club and a local centre with shops, flats and the existing public library. The bowls club will be relocated to the Abbey Leisure Complex.

Cllr Gerri Bird, executive councillor for housing and homelessness for Cambridge City Council, and a CIP board member said, “We are delighted to submit these plans, which will bring forward long-awaited new community facilities and modern, sustainable housing for the East Barnwell community as well as opportunities for businesses and employment.

“With the acute need for more affordable housing across the city, the proposed development will also provide additional social rented and intermediate rent homes, which will be available for those unable to afford market rents in Cambridge.”

The library and pre-school will be leased to Cambridgeshire County Council which will in turn lease the pre-school to an operator. Cambridge City Council will retain ownership of the community centre.

The development will seek to deliver a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain.

A third site in the centre of East Barnwell, proposed for market sale homes, will be brought forward by CIP as a separate application, once the new community centre is operating.

The scheme was designed by Architect and Urban Design practice BPTW.

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