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Permission for 4,500 homes despite water concerns

Steve Hubbard/BBC A muddy field with a fence around it. On the fence is a yellow sign reading 'area for future development - new homes here'. Behind the field is a row of new build home, some are still under construction. Steve Hubbard/BBC
The new town is being built to the north of Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire

Planning permission has been given for up to 4,500 new homes despite water supply concerns from the Environment Agency.

South Cambridgeshire District Council approved the home plans for the Waterbeach new town, alongside outline planning permission for RLW Estates.

This included the development of business, retail, community, leisure and sports use, as well as new primary and secondary schools, in addition to a sixth form centre.

The Environment Agency objected to plans in 2021, but in November 2024, it replaced its objection with a recommendation that conditions be imposed.

LDA Design Illustrative image of what part of the new town will look like. It shows cyclists on a light stone path next to wildflowers, water and homes.LDA Design
In Greater Cambridge the annual housing target has grown this month from 1,675 homes per year in the adopted 2018 Local Plan to 2,309 homes per year

The plans will complete the development of the new town at Waterbeach as a green light was given earlier for Urban&Civic to create up to 6,500 homes.

Discussions over the infrastructure needs, as well as more recent water supply issues in Greater Cambridge, had delayed planning permission approval.

Following the government's establishment of a Water Scarcity Group for Cambridge, the council said it could now approve plans.

Dr Tumi Hawkins, lead cabinet member for planning at the district council, said the Greater Cambridge annual housing target had grown this month from 1,675 homes per year in the adopted 2018 Local Plan to 2,309 homes per year.

"At a time of national focus on the delivery of new homes and economic growth, being able to issue the final permission for this site will help the council to meet the growing pressure.. to bring forward sites for new housing," she said.

"With the work of the Water Scarcity Group and the conditions that are attached to the permission, I am also reassured that the Environment Agency have removed their holding objection to the development proceeding."

Local Democracy Reporting Service A sign saying 'Welcome to Waterbeach' above purple railings and a train platform and track to the right. Local Democracy Reporting Service
The permission also requires Waterbeach Railway Station to be relocated prior to any of the new homes being occupied

The district council's planning committee considered the application in January 2021.

It was agreed permission should be granted, subject to conditions and if necessary, infrastructure like schools, community spaces and affordable housing, was secured.

The Environment Agency objected over water supply concerns and the adequacy of the plans from Cambridge Water to meet future demand.

The Water Scarcity Group and other agencies, including the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service, worked to resolve the concerns.

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