South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council have granted planning permission for the construction of 425 new homes at the Cambridge North Residential Quarter in the UK.
The decision enables the redevelopment of a brownfield site opposite Cambridge North station into a mixed-tenure residential area.
The project, which forms a significant phase in the ongoing Cambridge North Masterplan, aims to expand housing options in a fast-growing part of the city.
The development is led by blocwork, a joint venture (JV) involving Network Rail’s property development company, Platform4, and bloc.
UK’s property developer Grainger is set to forward fund, operate and manage the scheme upon completion.
Grainger CEO Helen Gordon said: “This is a hugely positive outcome and one that reinforces the strength of our partnership with Platform4 and blocwork.
“Cambridge North is exactly the sort of well-connected, high-demand location where our build-to-rent model can make a real difference.”
Plans for the Cambridge North Residential Quarter include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, in addition to linear parks, tree-lined streets, and ground-floor retail spaces.
The proposals have been designed to enhance pedestrian and cycling access, aiming to reduce reliance on cars among future residents. The site offers direct rail connections to Cambridge, London, and the surrounding regions.
Platform4 interim CEO and Blocwbork director Andrew Ferguson said: “This is great news and the positive decision allows us to bring under-used railway land into active use.
“Cambridge North is a great example of supporting the government’s commitment to building more homes next to stations as we look to create a new community in one of the country's most dynamic cities.”
Bidwells provided planning support while Franklin Ellis Architects designed the scheme.
The plans intend to include zero-carbon technologies such as fabric-first design features, hot water heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and water-saving fittings.
The project is one of four developments highlighted in Platform4’s launch in November and aligns with the government’s current ambition to build 1.5 million new homes during this UK Parliament.
