This week in Cambridgeshire:

• The Civic Affairs Committee discussed the Annual Governance Statement, the External Audit Plan, the Cambridge City Council Constitution, and councillor allowances.
• Councillors attended a Planning - Pre-Application Developer Presentations meeting to hear about the redevelopment of the Kett House site.
• The Licensing Sub Committee considered a premises licence application for A Taste of Sicily.
• The Licensing Sub Committee considered a premises licence application for Cambridge Rugby Football Club, which drew representations from local residents.

Civic Affairs - Monday 12 May 2025

The Civic Affairs Committee met to discuss several key governance and financial matters. The committee recommended that the Full Council approve the draft Constitution and consider the Independent Remuneration Panel's (IRP) report on member allowances.

The committee reviewed and approved the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2023/2024, along with amendments to the Local Code of Corporate Governance. The AGS is a statutory document¹ that accompanies the Statement of Accounts, demonstrating the council's compliance with its Local Code of Governance. The report noted that new guidance from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is expected in May 2025 and will be incorporated into the 2024/2025 AGS.

The committee also reviewed the EY ² Audit Plan for 2024/25. The audit plan outlines the scope and timeline of the audit, identified audit risks, and information about auditor independence and fees. The report noted that there have been significant delays in publishing the draft Statement of Accounts for 2023/24 due to resource constraints within the council’s finance team, and a disclaimed opinion will again be issued. EY have identified two risks of weakness in respect of the council’s value for money arrangements: the council’s ability to prepare and publish draft financial statements in line with the statutory deadline of 30 June 2025, and historic rent regulation breaches as reflected in the regulatory judgement against the council published by the Regulator of Social Housing ³.

The committee discussed and recommended that the Full Council approve the draft Constitution, including the Local Government Association model Code of Conduct, to take effect at the Annual Council meeting in May 2025. Some of the areas that have been updated in the Constitution include: Opposition Chairs for Scrutiny Committees, Naming of Scrutiny Committees, Referral of Motions by the Mayor, Requirement for Motions to be Seconded, Substitutes on Committees, Cabinet Assistants, Debate Rules and Amendments, and Non-Key Decisions and Forward Plan.

Finally, the Civic Affairs Committee considered the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) following its review of the Council’s current Members’ Allowances Scheme. The panel recommended that the basic allowance payable to all Councillors be £7,629 per annum, with indexing for increase starting in April 2025, based on the staff award of 2.5% on Spinal Column Point 56, which was awarded in November 2024. This would equate to a basic allowance of £7,819. The panel also recommended that the ‘Stationery Allowance’ payment of £75 per annum for each Councillor be withdrawn.

Planning - Pre-Application Developer Presentations - Wednesday 14 May 2025

Cambridge City Councillors were scheduled to attend a Planning - Pre-Application Developer Presentations meeting to hear a pre-application briefing from a developer regarding the comprehensive redevelopment of the Kett House site for commercial use.

The report pack notes that the site is located within the New Town and Glisson Road Conservation Area, and is near several listed buildings and structures, including the War Memorial, the Cambridge Botanic Garden, The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs and Wanstead House. The site has been identified within the Local Plan designated ‘Area of Major Change’ (Policy 21) and the Cambridge Railway Station, Hills Road Corridor to the City Centre ‘Opportunity Area’ (Policy 25).

The agenda frontsheet clarifies that these pre-application meetings offer developers an early opportunity to present proposals to councillors, who can then raise questions or concerns to be addressed before a formal planning application is submitted.

Licensing Sub Committee - Thursday 15 May 2025

The Licensing Sub Committee of Cambridge City Council met to consider an application for a premises licence for A Taste of Sicily, located at 106 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, CB1 7AJ. The application, made under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003, seeks permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises, and for recorded music indoors, from Monday to Sunday between 11:00 and 23:00, with an extension until 02:00 on New Year’s Eve.

Wangari Njiiri, Environmental Health and Licensing Support Team Leader, noted that five representations were received from 'Other Persons'⁴. No representations were received from responsible authorities, although Trading Standards provided Challenge 25⁵ information to the applicant, and Environmental Health agreed conditions with the applicant, which are attached to the report as Appendix 4 - EH agreed conditions.

The report pack notes that the premises opened as an Italian restaurant in February 2025, and was previously Sunset Lounge, a Shisha restaurant, and before that Palkee Bengali Take-Away. The report also notes that the premises is subject to extant planning conditions, and that representations had been received that made reference to ongoing planning-related matters, particularly those concerning the rear structure. However, it was noted that these details fall outside the remit of the Licensing Sub-Committee, as they do not pertain to any of the four statutory licensing objectives⁶.

Licensing Sub Committee - Friday 16 May 2025

The Licensing Sub Committee met to consider an application for a premises licence for Cambridge Rugby Football Club, located on Grantchester Road. The applicant, Cambridge Rugby Football Club Limited, applied for the licence under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003. The application seeks to permit several licensable activities, including plays, films, live and recorded music, performance of dance and supply of alcohol, both indoors and outdoors.

The report pack states that events would predominately take place between 1 April and 30 October, but could occur at other times of the year. The licence would cover two types of use: Rugby Use and Non-Rugby Use. The proposed conditions included the number of days per event types: Rugby Use: Unlimited, Small Events: Unlimited, Medium Events: Up to 4 days per year, Large Events: Up to 3 days per year.

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider representations from 55 'Other Persons' that were received in response to the application. No representations were received from any of the Responsible Authorities⁷. Councillor Hugh Clough, Green Spokes, Ward Councillor for Newnham, submitted a supplementary statement to his letter of representation, which was also scheduled to be discussed. Councillor Clough stated that the current licence application does not meet the guiding principles of the Revised Section 182 Guidance (Feb 2025), because the noise impact from the events in 2023 and 2024 is far wider than the immediately adjacent roads, the proposed licensing hours of operation are unreasonably extensive (09:00-23:00, 10:00 to 22:00), and the lack of restriction for Rugby Use events is not logical and is disproportionate.

Councillor Clough also raised concerns about public nuisance, stating that there is no reference to noise limits in the licence application, and that limits lower than 65 decibels should be considered. He also noted that the Code of Conduct on Environmental Control of Noise at Concerts sets a limit of not more than three concert days per year at 65 decibels, while the current application seeks to have seven days per annum.

This week in Cambridgeshire:

• The Licensing Sub Committee met to discuss taxi driver licensing, with the press and public excluded.

Licensing Sub Committee - Wednesday 07 May 2025

The Licensing Sub Committee of Cambridge City Council convened to discuss taxi licensing matters. The majority of the meeting was scheduled to be held in private.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda indicated that the committee was expected to exclude the press and public from the meeting, as it was scheduled to discuss matters covered by paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972¹. This is a common practice when dealing with sensitive personal information.

Taxi Driver Licensing

The main item on the agenda was to consider the application of driver 'A' to become a licensed driver with Cambridge City Council. The report pack includes the Licensing Sub-Committee: Taxi Applications Hearings Procedure which describes the process the committee uses to decide whether an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a taxi licence.

The procedure states that officers will prepare a report for the Sub-Committee setting out the relevant law, council policy, the powers of the Sub-Committee, information obtained as a result of the investigation, and any matters in dispute. This process is similar to previous licensing sub-committee meetings, such as the one held on Monday 14 April 2025, where a dual driver licence application was discussed.

The report pack also outlines the powers of the council to refuse to grant a taxi driver's licence, referencing both section 60 and section 61 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976². These sections grant councils the authority to regulate and control taxi services within their jurisdiction.

This week in Cambridgeshire:

• The Joint Development Control Committee deferred a decision on the former National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) site on Huntingdon Road, and heard briefings on development proposals for land between Huntingdon Road, Madingley Road and the M11, and for Cambridge Business Park.

Joint Development Control Committee - Wednesday 23 April 2025

The Joint Development Control Committee (JDCC) met to discuss an outline planning application for the former National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) site on Huntingdon Road and to hear pre-application briefings on development proposals for land between Huntingdon Road, Madingley Road and the M11, and for Cambridge Business Park. The committee voted to defer the decision on the NIAB site application.

Former NIAB Site - Huntingdon Road

The committee considered planning application 23/04643/OUT, an outline application for the demolition of all buildings except Chapter House, and the erection of a laboratory/office campus on the former National Institute of Agricultural Botany (Former National Institute of Agricultural Botany Sites, Huntington Road in Cambridge). The application sought approval for access, layout, and scale, with appearance and landscaping as reserved matters.

Key aspects of the proposal:

• Demolition of existing buildings (excluding Chapter House)
• Erection of four buildings for lab and office space (31,757m²)
• Associated cafe, access, car and cycle parking
• Revised access and refuse storage for Chapter House

John Shuttlewood, principal planning officer, presented the application, highlighting that the site is a mixed-use residential allocation outside the Darwin Green parameters, with the southern side on the Brownfield Register. He noted the site's location within the Howes Place Conservation Area and the proximity to residential developments.

Neil Jenyon spoke on behalf of the residents of Howes Place, raising concerns about harm to the conservation area and highway safety. He proposed additional planning conditions:

1. Lawrence Weaver Road should be the main access to Chapter House, with access from Howes Place limited to pedestrians and emergency vehicles.
2. Removal of redundant access points between Howes Place and the development site, with infill planting to maintain the character of Howes Place.

Paul Watson, the agent, spoke for the applicant, emphasising the site's history of plant science research and the benefits of the proposed development for collaboration with nearby institutions. He noted that the design's external appearance and landscaping were reserved for future consideration.

Councillor Cheney Payne, a ward councillor, submitted a statement supporting the redevelopment but stressed the need for sensitivity due to the Howes Place Conservation Area. She supported the conditions proposed by the residents of Howes Place.

Councillor Simon Smith, another ward councillor, spoke on behalf of the Howes Place Conservation Area and Darwin Green residents. He proposed conditions relating to the relocation of post boxes and parcel lockers to Lawrence Weaver Road, removal of palisade fencing, and the creation of a landscape design guidance to incorporate key heritage elements. He also suggested an amendment to condition 41 regarding electricity substations.

During the debate, councillors raised concerns about the lack of pre-application discussions, the impact on heritage assets, and the design quality. Councillor Martin Smart said he found the scheme poor and not good enough for this site. Councillor Tumi Hawkins expressed disappointment that the applicant did not engage with officers prior to the application.

Philippa Kelly, Strategic Sites Manager, clarified that a high-level meeting had occurred, but the applicant chose to rely on the fallback of the consented scheme instead of further engagement.

Councillor Katie Porrer suggested an informative mentioning the quality panel and pre-application advice, as well as one about cargo bikes. She also suggested a landscaping strategy that would explore cutting off redundant access points.

The discussion then focused on whether to add a condition regarding access to Chapter House. Ms Kelly advised that such a condition might not be reasonable under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), as the access situation is existing.

Councillor Hawkins moved a motion to accept the two conditions proposed by the residents, but this was withdrawn. Councillor Hawkins then proposed that the committee defer the application.

The committee voted to defer the application to allow time to explore the agreement of parameter plans on key structuring and placemaking components, and to explore the potential for the Howes Place access arrangements.

Eddington Phase 2 - Land between Huntingdon Road, Madingley Road, and the M11

Matthew Johnson, head of development for Eddington, and his team presented pre-application proposals for the future phases of the Eddington development. The proposal included residential, student, senior living, commercial, and academic floor spaces. A key change from the original 2013 master plan is an increase in residential density.

Daryl Chen from Hawkins Brown architects, emphasised the health and well-being aspects of the scheme and the prioritisation of active modes of travel. Claire Hobart from Grant Associates, outlined the landscape strategy, focusing on multifunctional, biodiverse spaces with democratic access and minimised carbon impact. Elliott Page from KMC Transport Planning, discussed transport elements, committing to working within the trip budget of the previous consent and prioritising sustainable transport.

Key points from the presentation:

• Increased residential density
• Emphasis on health and well-being
• Prioritisation of active travel
• Extensive green network and open spaces
• Mix of building types and scales
• Sustainable transport infrastructure

Councillors asked questions about traffic management, parking provision, affordable housing, and the integration of the development with surrounding communities.

Cambridge Business Park - Robinson House

Lizzie Sears, development manager at the Crown Estate, and her team presented pre-application proposals to refurbish and extend Robinson House at Cambridge Business Park. The project, named Origin, aims to create an innovation hub with flexible workspace, a cafe, event spaces, and a lab hotel.

Ashley Collins from Montagu Evans, outlined the planning context, highlighting the site's location within the Cambridge Northern Fringe East and the railway station area of change. Caitlin from Sew, discussed the design response, including the retention of the existing building, a modular extension for lab space, and a rooftop urban farm.

Key elements of the proposal:

• Refurbishment of Robinson House
• Modular extension for lab space
• Event space, flexible workspace, and cafe
• Rooftop amenity space and potential urban farm
• Reduced car parking and increased cycle parking

Councillors asked about the temporary nature of the building, the plans for the urban farm, and accessibility.

This week in Cambridgeshire:

• The Licensing Sub Committee convened to discuss a dual driver licence application.
• The Licensing Sub Committee convened to discuss a dual driver licence application, and recommended excluding the press and public.

Licensing Sub Committee - Monday 14 April 2025

The Cambridge City Council Licensing Sub Committee convened to consider an application for a dual driver's licence. The Public reports pack included a recommendation to exclude the press and public from the meeting, citing paragraphs 1 & 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972¹.

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a dual driver's licence with Cambridge City Council for Driver A. The report pack outlines the procedure for taxi application hearings, stating that the Licensing Team of the Refuse and Environment section is responsible for all licensing matters.

According to the procedure, if an officer believes that the Taxi Regulatory Sub-Committee should decide whether an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence, the officer will refer the matter to the sub-committee. The officer will prepare a report that includes: the relevant law, council policy, and the powers of the sub-committee; information obtained as a result of the investigation and its source; and any matters in dispute.

The report pack also details the rights of the driver, including the right to request witnesses to attend the hearing, give evidence in writing or orally, provide evidence about their character, and be represented by someone such as a solicitor, friend, or relative.

The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 grants the council the power to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a driver's licence on grounds such as the driver being convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, indecency, or violence; the driver failing to comply with the provisions of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 or Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976; and any other reasonable cause.

The report pack also outlines specific enforcement actions that may be taken, including consideration of actions covered in Levels 1 and 2 of the 'Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Enforcement System' where a final written warning has been given in the previous 12 months. Other considerations include convictions for offences of a sexual nature, drug-related offences, offences involving dishonesty or violence, and offences relating to alcohol and motor vehicles.

Licensing Sub Committee - Monday 14 April 2025

The Cambridge City Council Licensing Sub Committee convened to consider an application for a dual driver licence². Due to the nature of the items on the agenda, it was recommended that the meeting be held in private. No video was provided.

The sub-committee was scheduled to review an application for a dual driver licence from Driver A. The report pack included information for the public and outlined the procedure for taxi application hearings. According to the procedure, if an officer believes that the Taxi Regulatory Sub-Committee should decide whether an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence, the officer will refer the matter to the Sub-Committee. The officer then prepares a report that includes: relevant law, council policy, and the powers of the sub-committee; information obtained as a result of the investigation and its source; and any matters in dispute.

The report pack also detailed the process for preparing for the hearing, including notifying the driver of the evidence against them and allowing them to present their case, call witnesses, and be represented by someone else. The sub-committee was also scheduled to discuss conflicts of interest, the format of the hearing, and the decision-making process.

The report pack included an appendix detailing the council's power to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a vehicle licence under Section 60(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, including if: that the hackney carriage or private hire vehicle is unfit for use as a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle; any offence under, or non-compliance with, the provisions of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 or Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 by the operator or driver; or any other reasonable cause.

The council also has the power to take action against a driver's licence under Section 61 of the same act, including if the driver has been convicted of offences involving dishonesty, indecency, or violence.

The report pack also outlined specific enforcement actions that would be considered, including instances where the licence holder or applicant has been convicted of offences of a sexual nature, drug-related offences, offences involving dishonesty or violence, or offences related to alcohol and motor vehicles. The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider cases where the applicant is found to be living or working in the UK without authorisation, or if they have committed any offences arising from Asylum & Immigration matters.