The University supports the proposed policy for an additional 1,000 – 1,500 dwellings at North West Cambridge. The site has capacity for additional development within the existing settlement boundaries as defined in the local plans and the North West Cambridge Area Action Plan.

We support the policy direction for a minimum 50% key worker housing provision. The University’s housing needs assessment will be updated in order to support the evidence base for the new Local Plan.

We do not support the Councils’ proposals for a single policy approach with West Cambridge, however:
- North West Cambridge and West Cambridge are subject to separate outline planning permissions;
- North West Cambridge is a residential-led mixed use development, whereas West Cambridge research focus;
- The sites have separate identities, reinforced through design guidance that has already been endorsed by the local authorities;
- Identities are also supported by distinct marketing and branding strategies. Eddington is promoted as new area of Cambridge that is designed for twenty-first century sustainable living. The University’s intention to develop West Cambridge as an Innovation District – and to create an identity to match that of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and the Cambridge Science Park - may be undermined if the local authorities have separate policy for an Innovation District that incorporates North West Cambridge.