Four new homes for Cambridge University students said to ‘enhance street scene’ approved

Cambridge City Council has approved plans to build four new student terraces despite objections from residents

Plans to replace two student homes with a new terrace of four properties have been approved by the council. Fitzwilliam College applied to demolish 87-89 Oxford Road and refurbish Red Cottage to the rear of the properties.

They also sought permission to refurbish and add an extension to the pavilion, as well as to create a groundskeeper store and a new squash court. Cambridge City Council officers told the planning committee on Wednesday (September 2) that the new terrace would be more in keeping with the area and would “enhance the street scene”.

Currently, the two Oxford Road buildings have nine bedrooms, but this will be replaced with 24 – six in each terrace.

A total of 20 objection letters were submitted by neighbours concerned about noise, the appearance of the buildings, and whether the squash court is needed.

They also said that part of the rugby pitch would have a three metre run-off before a brick wall which could pose a danger to rugby players running off the pitch. World Rugby recommends a minimum of 3.5m, but Sport England did not object to the plans as 3m is their minimum requirement.

Olivia Speed, operations director at Fitzwilliam College, said they make their facilities available “on an informal basis” to community organisations. She said this includes four separate cricket clubs and the local residents’ association for its annual gathering.

She said: “The existing changing rooms in the pavilion and Red Cottage are undersized, dated, cold, and as a result barely used. The proposal will create modern changing facilities. The squash court will consolidate sporting activity on the sports ground.”

She said Sport England were “fully supportive” of the plans and Red Cottage would be “sympathetically restored”.

Councillor Hugh Clough said: “If you look at the structure of this block it’s clear that there’s a serious risk of noise and disturbance.” The Green councillor said “there is a clear square area behind the garden” which “may be used fine or may not be used fine”.

But Lib Dem councillor Karen Young said that Cambridge is in “dire need of student accommodation” and the new terrace would “enhance the street scene”.

Cllr Martin Smart said it seems like a reasonable application to approve and the college had “clearly made a good effort” with their architects. The Labour councillor said: “I’ve seen a lot worse in these sorts of situations, I like the façade in the conservation area that hits the street. It’s clearly an improvement on the current.”

The planning committee approved the plan with four voting in favour, one against and one abstaining.