Cambridge Housing Quality at Risk Due to Government Target Changes

Cambridge area councils worry about new housing. They believe government rules could cause problems. These rules might lead to bad housing and housing that could also be too expensive. The area lost its “five-year land supply,” which means they lack identified land for five years of building.

Councils must now favor new developments, and they can’t review them neutrally if land is short. One council leader, Bridget Smith, voiced concerns, thinking the government is too rigid. She fears poor quality, pricey homes for residents. Another leader, Tumi Hawkins, agrees that the government made things tough.

Two councils work together on area planning. In April 2024, land supply lasted 6.5 years, and they expected 11,190 homes by March 2029. New government targets arose in December, and required homes jumped from 8,630 to 12,100 rapidly. This pushed the area below five years.

One opposition councillor, Heather Williams, commented, believing the government’s housing plans are excessive. She fears uncontrolled growth in the area, which could strain schools and doctor’s offices. She criticized the quick rule changes.

Hawkins thinks they can catch up quickly, as their approach focuses on growth. Smith confirmed their quality home priority, and they aim to restore the five-year land supply. A different council member, Katie Thornburrow, welcomes more home building because the area has a housing crisis. She wants to speed up building permits.