URL: https://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5706

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The council has an opportunity to invest in one of the most deprived parts of the city and truly change people’s lives through a coordinated place-making approach delivering new homes, new community facilities, and giving a new lease of life to a much-loved shopping centre. Up to 410 new homes are proposed including at least 206 council homes replacing sub-standard existing council homes – with the new homes built to meet modern space standards, and to be more energy efficient and cheaper for tenants to run.

Content: The council has an opportunity to invest in one of the most deprived parts of the city and truly change people’s lives through a coordinated place-making approach delivering new homes, new community facilities, and giving a new lease of life to a much-loved shopping centre. Up to 410 new homes are proposed including at least 206 council homes replacing sub-standard existing council homes – with the new homes built to meet modern space standards, and to be more energy efficient and cheaper for tenants to run. Cabinet RESOLVED (unanimous) to note:   1.    The Council’s corporate vision for North Cambridge – the Framework for Change – and the Consultation Report 2.    The analysis of the area, its opportunities and challenges, the council’s strategic objectives, the Design Code, which is now a Supplementary Planning Document, and the outcome of the local consultation exercise carried out in May/June 2024 3.    The wide range of issues identified that will require co-operation across a range of Council teams and external agencies. 4.    The steps proposed in the report to co-ordinate response to these issues. Different funding streams will have a role in meeting these objectives and financial constraints will affect the pace of progress. Localised development proposals will also contribute. 5.    The recommendations support increased council housing in the city and the council’s bid for a Strategic Partnership with Homes England 6.    That a public consultation process will take place in autumn 2025 on the North Cambridge Framework for Change Report and in parallel the proposals for Arbury Court and Kingsway, parts of Brackley Close, Rutland Close and Verulam Way   Cabinet RESOLVED (unanimous) to approve:   1.    That the Arbury Court and Kingsway, parts of Brackley Close, Rutland Close and Verulam Way scheme be included in the Housing Capital Programme, with an indicative capital budget of £81,200,000 subject to Homes England Funding to cover all site assembly, construction costs, professional fees and further associated fees, to deliver a mixed tenure housing scheme which meets the identified need in Cambridge. Budget will be drawn down from the sum already approved for investment in new homes and not yet allocated. 2.    Authorising the Assistant Director, Development in consultation with and approval of the Cabinet Member for housing to approve variations to the scheme including the number of units and mix of property types, sizes and tenure. 3.    Delegating authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Housing in conjunction with the Assistant Director, Development to enable the sites at Arbury Court, Kingsway, parts of Brackley Close, Rutland Close and Verulam Way to be developed through Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) or through an alternative procurement route subject to a value for money assessment to be carried out on behalf of the Council. 4.    Authorising, subject to 3, the Assistant Director in consultation with the Cabinet member for Housing to approve the transfer of the land for Arbury Court, Kingsway, parts of Brackley Close, Rutland Close and Verulam Way shown edged red on the attached plan in Appendix 3 and 5 to a third party for redevelopment. The transfer will be at a value provided by a further independent valuation. 5.    Authorising, subject to 3, the Assistant Director of Development in consultation with the Cabinet member for Housing to approve an Affordable Housing Agreement with a third party for the purchase of 206 affordable homes. This agreement will be at a value provided by an independent valuer. 6.    With effect from the submission of a planning application for Arbury Court, approve (a) the purchase of the leasehold and freehold properties and (b) the issue of Home Loss and Disturbance payments to qualifying Council occupiers and Home Loss, Basic Loss and Disturbance payments to qualifying owners at the addresses at Arbury Court, Kingsway, Brackley Close, Verulam Way and Rutland Close detailed in this report. 7.    Delegating authority to the Assistant Director of Development to make a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of any leasehold interests at Kingsway, Brackley Close and Arbury Court and any of the 5 freehold households on Rutland Close and Verulam Way identified for possible redevelopment that cannot be acquired by private treaty within a reasonable timescale and at a reasonable cost subject to the Director of Place being satisfied that there is a compelling case in the public interest for the use of compulsory purchase powers, and that all legal and policy requirements for the making and confirmation of a CPO have been met 8.    Delegating authority to the Assistant Director, Development to serve initial Demolition Notices under the Housing Act 1985. 9.    Delegating Authority to the Assistant Director of Housing and Homelessness to approve a local lettings plan for the proposed developments. 10.                  That a budget of £10,000 be allocated out of the approved new build housing budget and the use of the land at the Woodhouse Way as a site for delivery of modular (pod) housing to serve former rough sleepers. XI. Delegate authority to the Chief Property Surveyor in consultation with the s151 Officer to approve the terms of lease of the land at Woodhouse Way to a third[1]party charitable organisation  

Date of Decision: October 21, 2025