The plans have been described as a “transformational redevelopment” but have faced backlash from locals
Cambridgeshire Live readers are unhappy that ministers have approved plans to demolish the Beehive Centre in Cambridge, clearing the way for new office and laboratory buildings. Railpen has described the redevelopment as a transformational overhaul of the retail park that will create a high quality local hub, workplace and innovation area.
The plans have sparked strong opposition from residents, mainly due to the size and scale of the proposed buildings. In February, ministers intervened and took over the decision before Cambridge City Council could issue its own ruling.
A public inquiry was held over the summer, during which a planning inspector heard evidence from the developer, the city council, and local residents. The council said it could support the scheme if measures were included to reduce daylight loss for nearby homes.
The inspector’s report has now been released along with the Secretary of State’s final decision. The inspector recommended granting outline planning permission, saying the development would bring significant economic and placemaking benefits to a well located brownfield site.
Although the inspector recognised that many people held firm objections to the future of the site, the view was that the benefits would outweigh the negative impacts. Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, accepted the recommendation and agreed that the advantages of the project outweighed the harms.
Commenter Scoutyboy says: “Scandalous! Our Government has given out-line planning permission for the demolition of the Beehive centre. The government inspector states, the benefits are greater than the impact to residents adjacent to this site. With the Science Park, The Trinity Centre, The Business Park, King’s Hedges Road and the Grafton Centre all being redeveloped for Life Science Units, why is the government giving the go-ahead for the Beehive demolition? Why are the politicians not considering the impact on local residents?”
Al789 thinks: “What a terrible and disappointing decision. How many more laboratories and offices are needed in Cambridge when it feels like the current ones are not being fully utilised. I used to work at the Science Park and post-pandemic, the majority of the buildings have remained empty, despite some recent ones being built. I also hope that the current shops are relocated elsewhere in Cambridge and don’t result in any loss of jobs for those that currently work there.”
Rottiemad complains: “Taking away the Grafton and the Beehive centre, they’re really doing their best to destroy Cambridge.”
Prickled Onion agrees: “I am 66 years old and a native of Cambridge. My wife and I have no ties to this city anymore and we are thinking of moving out in the next year or two and to be honest, I can’t wait. This city is terminally ill and will soon die as it is run and overseen by incompetence.”
Jen Mitchell asks: “So Cambridge is literally going to have zero shops after this then? And they wonder why everyone shops online!”
Anna Anna replies: “The community will lose essential local facilities. Are we really losing all the shops or have I misunderstood something? I thought some of them were supposed to remain. What happens to people who do not drive and rely on these places for everyday essentials? The whole situation feels utterly unreasonable.”
Caroline Redmond agrees: “It’s a disgrace and they should be ashamed. Thousands of households use this site weekly. It’s not just a once in a blue moon visit. It’s some people’s daily shopping site.”
James Clements thinks: “The University seems completely wrapped up in its own plans. What about the deprived areas and the everyday people in Cambridge who rely on the Beehive for basic supplies, a sense of community and the fact that it offers free parking. Cambridge feels like it is slowly fading and risks becoming a ghost city. I am fortunate with where I live and at this point I would happily travel the same distance to Bury St Edmunds. It is less stressful, has better shops, cheaper parking and a much warmer atmosphere.”
Losing the Beehive means losing vital shops and services many people depend on. Anyone else worried about what this leaves residents with? Tell us your views in our comments section.
