Why do we need more housing in Cambridge?

Cambridge has been identified by the Government as a National Growth Area and requires 12,500 new homes to be provided in the City between before 2016, of which 65% are be provided on 'brownfield' land, and where possible in the most sustainable locations, close to a range of services, facilities and jobs. Both of these criteria are met by the Brunswick site, which will be expected to support higher residential densities than those delivered in the past.

What kind of housing is needed?

The 2002 Housing Needs Survey carried out by Cambridge City Council indicated that 98% of all new housing required in the period 2002-2007 should be one and two bedroom units. This study is currently being updated, but still shows smaller units accounting for around 80% of total requirement.

What does the Local Plan allow to be built on the site?

Development on the Brunswick site is covered by policy in the Local Plan created by Cambridge City Council. This allocates the site to be used for 'mixed-use housing development and community facilities'.

Why is there no affordable housing?

The policy covering the Brunswick site permits student accommodation for the University to be provided on the site in lieu of affordable housing. Berkeley Homes, the developer of the scheme, has linked up with UNITE, which is the country's leading private student housing provider, who will build and manage the proposed 253 student rooms. This will release 60+ private rented houses currently being occupied by students elsewhere in the city, back onto the market.