Government intervenes in Cambridge’s Beehive Centre plans, overriding local council. Decision follows concerns about redevelopment.
Angela Rayner stepped in, in her role as deputy prime minister overseeing housing and local government. Consequently, the government will now make the final choice. The committee still met anyway and voted against the plan in a unanimous decision.
Despite the committee’s decision, the government will still review the application, meaning the councillors cannot reject it yet. Council planners had advised against the project, feeling it blocked too much light, which would negatively affect nearby residents. The harm would be “wide-ranging,” and “significantly adverse and acutely felt”. Several streets would be impacted by the taller building.
Railpen has big plans for the retail park, envisioning a modern mix of retail, leisure, and community spaces. They also propose labs, offices, and new green space, aiming to create a public park. The plans include a civic square, 290 trees, shops, cafes, restaurants, and areas for leisure and social events.
The plan was revised last September following feedback from officers, experts, and the public who shared concerns. Subsequently, Railpen altered the plans to adjust.
A group called Better Beehive objects, advocating for sustainable changes to the center. They worry about overdevelopment, harm to the skyline, infrastructure issues, and air pollution.
Emma Smith, speaking for Better Beehive, expressed disappointment in Railpen for not assessing the visual impact on homes. She noted Railpen promised a 3D model for the meeting but never showed it, seeing this as a clear avoidance by the developer and a bad standard for other projects.