Beehive Centre Redevelopment Faces Refusal Due to Housing Impact

Planners say the Beehive Centre plans are bad. Nearby homes might become dark and cold. Cambridge Council officers think the harm is widespread. They say many streets will greatly suffer.

The development could feel too big and might make gardens less nice. Planners state the design isn’t right and buildings are too close to homes. They feel the scale is visually oppressive.

Officers believe the harm is too much and they think the project should be rejected. The planning committee meets Thursday to discuss the application.

Officers suggest denying permission, citing daylight and sunlight issues. This affects St. Matthew’s Gardens and nearby homes. The city received 367 public comments.

Several Labour councillors object, and Council leader Mike Davey also disagrees. A group named Better Beehive also objects because they worry about overdevelopment and air pollution.

Railpen wants to update the area; their plan includes retail, leisure, and offices. They also want labs, offices, and public spaces. The plans include a park and square.

The project includes 290 new trees. There will be shops, restaurants, and cafes. They plan areas for fun and community. The plan changed after concerns arose.

The changes did not solve every issue. The Cambridge skyline will still be affected, and water use is another concern. The development could increase water demand.

Anglian Water didn’t object yet warns of problems. The water center might lack capacity and they must still process waste if approved. People worry retail and leisure will shrink.