South Cambridgeshire JV puts in application for 256-home scheme

A joint venture between South Cambridgeshire council and The Hill Group has submitted a planning application for 256 low-carbon homes. 

Forty percent of the South Cambridgeshire Investment Partnership’s (SCIP) scheme for Cambourne Business Park will be affordable (102 homes), and of those around 72 will be net zero with Passivhaus levels of performance. 

The homes on the 9.64 ha site will range from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses. Electric vehicle charging points or provision will be created for every property, along with space to store over 800 bicycles.

Tom Hill, a SCIP board member and regional director at the Hill Group, said: “As a partnership, we are committed to listening to the local community and being mindful of the environmental impact that can come from development. 

“It was imperative for us to ensure the design of this development embodies these values. As such, we look forward to delivering high quality, energy-efficient homes to higher sustainability standards alongside a range of open spaces; each with their own character and purpose, helping to establish a strong community.” 

The net zero homes will be designed through a ‘fabric first’ approach, and will have high levels of insulation, airtight construction, air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, photovoltaic panels, and energy efficient building services and controls. 

Each home is designed to help reduce water usage to not exceed 99 litres per person per day - lower than the 110 litres standard required by national building regulations - and the whole development will be entirely gas free.  

South Cambridgeshire councillor Richard Stobart, a SCIP board member, added: “Ensuring that this development will be as conscious of the environment as possible has always been a key priority for us at the council. We are aiming for a very high standard when it comes to the site’s green credentials, and this is evident through the plans we’ve submitted.” 

The design will include playground amenities and green open spaces, and the landscaping will be aimed at enhancing wildlife, with new trees, hedges, wildflowers and a pond. 

Of the affordable homes, 70% will be earmarked for social rent, with the remaining 30% of them being available for shared ownership. 

South Cambridgeshire District Council is now conducting a public consultation on the plans, which will run until 24 February.