Plans have been submitted for 165 homes to replace two dated blocks of flats in Cambridge.

In a joint venture between The Hill Group, Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) and Cambridge City Council, 72 council and 93 private sale homes are proposed on the site of ageing Hanover and Princess Court, off Hills Road.

The plans, submitted to Cambridge City Council, mean the loss of 127 homes. However, upkeep and maintenance of the existing buildings is considered unfeasible.

Cllr Gerri Bird, cabinet member for housing for Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said: “These homes need to be demolished as they are not fit for purpose for current residents, so we’ve been looking at the most cost-effective way to redevelop the site to provide new, high-quality council homes for current and future council tenants.

“We are committed to improving the quality of housing for tenants living in ageing council properties like these, and building new high-quality council and market homes to meet growing demand – including more accessible homes for disabled residents.

“The reality is that to cover the costs of redevelopment projects like this, we need to build some private homes too, to reinvest the profit from selling those homes into building the new council homes.

The development has been designed to replicate some elements of the existing architecture in the New Town Conservation Area while maintaining a contemporary identity. There will be more green space, with better access routes and open spaces between the buildings.

Tom Hill, managing director of The Hill Group, said: “As a partnership, we pride ourselves on creating inclusive, high-quality developments where all homes, regardless of tenure, are built to the same high architectural and material standards.

“Our proposals reflect this commitment, with homes designed to foster comfort, accessibility and a strong connection to nature.

“Our team and consultants have worked tirelessly to ensure the designs respond sensitively to the heritage of the area while delivering green spaces that enhance wellbeing, biodiversity, climate resilience and placemaking.”

The homes are designed to meet the council’s CamStandard to improve health and reduce energy use. All homes will meet or exceed National Space Standards.

© Eastern Echo (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).

Sign up to receive our weekly free journal, The Forum here.