Locals angry as ‘vital promise’ of new pub falls through

One local said the community was ‘sold a vision of a well-rounded community with social infrastructure’ but ‘are now being presented with yet another block of retirement flats’

Locals have been left feeling angry over proposals for retired living apartments after being “promised” a pub or local facility. If approved, the proposals would see land off Back Lane, north of Holiday Inn Express in Cambourne, developed into 58 retired living apartments.

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Planning Committee is due to consider the proposals at a meeting on August 12, 2026. Cambourne Town Council, who reminded the community of the upcoming meeting, said the application has “attracted significant interest and objections from members of our community”, adding that the Committee’s decision will be “an important one for Cambourne”.

The plans, submitted by McCarthy Stone Retirement Lifestyles Limited, propose to deliver 58 apartments for people of retirement age and above. Of the 58 apartments, 39 would be one-bedroom and 19 would be two-bedroom units.

The four storey apartment building would feature a communal homeowners lounge, guest suite and reception area. The development would also deliver a refuse store, mobility scooter store room with charging points and communal landscaped gardens.

If permission is granted, a total of 38 car parking spaces would be provided for residents, staff, and visitors within the development.

The site, about nine miles from Cambridge, is centrally located within the town on the main approach from the A428. McCarthy Stone claims the scheme would aim to provide “much needed” retirement accommodation to the local area.

A planning document says: “The provision of retirement accommodation will enhance the diversity of developments in the area, while benefiting from the numerous local services and amenities.”

However, not everyone is in support of the proposal as dozens of objections have been lodged on the planning website. One local said: “We DO NOT require any more retirement homes in Cambourne. We need facilities for families. Restaurants, pubs, shops and a decent high street.”

Another objector wrote: “There is a lack of amenities and social gathering space in Cambourne as it is. Building more residential property on remaining space further diminishes the opportunities to create space that works for a large majority of residents in Cambourne.

“This land was designated for a pub and restaurant. Amenities that would create employment and a social hub in the centre of Cambourne.”

Another local claimed the land was “earmarked for the greater community use” adding, “we have been promised a community facility here for a long time”.

Additionally, another objector said: “When Cambourne was first planned, residents were sold a vision of a well-rounded community with social infrastructure to match its growing population. Part of that vision included the provision of a second public house on this key gateway site. This wasn’t just a nice-to-have – it was a vital promise made to support a sustainable, connected, and socially thriving town.

“Instead, we are now being presented with yet another block of retirement flats, despite there already being developments in Cambourne, many of which are still under-occupied.

“There is no proven need for additional retirement housing of this type in the area, especially when the broader community lacks basic leisure, hospitality, and gathering spaces. The demand is not for more housing, but for places where residents – of all ages – can come together.”