The Joint Development Management Committee (JDMC) convened to discuss planning applications and a pre-application developer briefing, focusing on developments within Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. The committee approved an outline application for the former National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) site and a reserved matters application for the Springstead Village development, while also reviewing plans for Robinson House at Cambridge Business Park.

Former NIAB Site Redevelopment Approved

The committee unanimously resolved to approve application 23/04643/OUT for the former NIAB site on Huntingdon Road, following a deferral from a previous meeting. The application seeks outline permission for the demolition of existing buildings, excluding Chapter House, and the erection of a lab/office campus with associated facilities.

The deferral was intended to allow for further work on parameter plans and to address access arrangements and concerns raised by residents of Howes Place. The applicant engaged in a workshop with officers and submitted amended plans, including a parameter plan booklet.

Key points addressed:

• Parameter Plans: The amended application includes a structured set of parameter plans and a booklet that sets out a framework for future reserved matters applications.
• Howes Place Access: No changes were made to the application regarding access arrangements to Chapter House from Howes Place, with these issues to be considered under existing conditions or separate planning applications.
• Design and Heritage: The committee considered the impact of the development's design, layout, and scale on the character and appearance of the Howes Place Conservation Area and the locally listed Chapter House. While the proposal was deemed to cause less than substantial harm to these heritage assets, the public benefits of the proposal were considered to outweigh this harm.
• Cycle Parking: Parameter plan 2, Movement & Access, includes indicative areas for cycle parking to include a minimum of 5% cargo bike parking.
• Car Parking: A condition was added to limit the number of car parking spaces to the proposed amount, to encourage sustainable modes of transport.
• Foul Water: Anglian Water had requested a condition requiring written confirmation of sufficient headroom in the water recycling centre to take flows from the development, but this was not considered appropriate.

Springstead Village RMA Approved

The committee approved reserved matters applications 25/01059/REM and 25/01098/REM for parcel 'RMA 5' of the Springstead Village development, located on land north of Cherry Hinton. The proposal includes 292 residential units, a local centre with a community centre, a convenience store, retail and cafe space, and associated infrastructure.

Key aspects of the approval:

• Housing Mix: The development includes 117 affordable homes (40% of the total), with a mix of social rent and shared ownership units. The distribution of affordable units is dispersed across the development.
• Local Centre: The local centre is positioned centrally within the development and includes retail space, a community hub, and a cafe.
• Open Space: The proposal includes 0.8 hectares of open space and landscaping, including neighbourhood parks and a greenway, as well as 0.6 hectares of allotments.
• Design Code Compliance: The development complies with the approved design code for the area, with building heights and layouts that align with the code's principles.
• Sustainability: The development incorporates sustainable design features, including measures to reduce carbon emissions and promote water efficiency.

Cambridge Business Park, Robinson House

The committee reviewed application 25/02022/FUL for Robinson House at 1 Cambridge Business Park, which sought permission for the refurbishment and extension of the existing building for continued Class E use, including office and laboratory space, a cafe, and community space.

Key elements of the proposal:

• Refurbishment and Extension: The existing Robinson House building would be refurbished, and a modular laboratory extension would be added.
• Landscaping: The hard-surfaced areas of the site would be reconfigured, and additional landscaping would be provided.
• Cycle Parking: A dedicated cycle store with 54 spaces would be provided, along with supporting facilities such as showers and lockers.
• Sustainability: The development would target a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating, with full credits for Wat01 (water consumption).

The committee raised questions and observations regarding the 15-year lifespan of the building, the nature of the urban farm on the roof, cycle parking, future transportation to the site, and the choice of pink paint for the building.