Exactly where 400 homes and travel hub could be built in Cambridgeshire village

If the proposals progress and are approved, a Cambridgeshire village would see approximately 400 homes built alongside a local centre and a rural travel hub

Around 400 homes, a local centre, and a travel hub could be built in a Cambridgeshire village if plans are progressed. An application has requested an environmental impact assessment to for the potential development of land at Crows Nest Farm in Papworth Everard.

The application was made to South Cambridgeshire District Council on behalf of Mac Mic Strategic Land Limited, Christine Elizabeth Peck, and Sarah Lemond.

Papworth Everard lies 10 miles west of Cambridge and six miles south of Huntingdon. Although the proposed scheme is subject to change, the application proposes approximately 400 residential homes, a local centre, and a rural travel hub, as well as highways and drainage infrastructure.

An outline planning application will be sought but the scheme is currently progressing through pre-application discussions with Greater Cambridge Shared Planning. The Screening Opinion request seeks to assist the council in assessing the proposals for the site to determine whether the project is likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

The proposals would see a limit of two-storey homes to “respect the character of the area”. The applicants state: “The emerging masterplan presents a landscape-led approach with substantial green space with the site allowing for informal recreation and play. Additionally, land for a local centre and a rural travel hub will be provided.”

An application document adds: “Papworth Everard is a well-connected sustainable village which provides a strong local service offering, including a Primary School, healthcare provision, convenience retail, employment areas, community facilities and recreational spaces. The village also offers an established network of footpaths, cycle routes and green corridors, supporting active travel.”

The site is not within the Green Belt and is entirely located within flood zone one. It comprises 32-hectares of agricultural land although the site has a developable residential area of approximately 11.4-hectares.