Cambridge City Council at our 'Global Science Cities' forum

Future Cities Forum is delighted that Stephen Kelly from Cambridge City Council is taking part in our 'Global Science Cities' discussion event at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus this month. He is a Chartered Town Planner with 35 years experience in public sector planning practice. 

For the last 18 years he has been the Chief Planner with 4 separate UK planning authorities and commissioned bespoke studies and research for both policy development purposes and for the assessment and determination of nationally significant regeneration and development projects. Since 2016, he has been the Chief Planner for Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils, leading an Award Winning “Shared” Planning Service of nearly 140 professional and technical staff, planning for and managing nationally important growth across the Greater Cambridge area.

Throughout his career, Stephen has been involved in multiple major regeneration projects (including sport led regeneration projects in Swansea, Wembley and Tottenham) and a number of new settlements. In addition: strategic infrastructure and a wide range of residential, commercial and rural planning projects. Also, overseeing the adoption of 3 different area Local Plans, 2 Community Infrastructure Levy’s (CIL) and the creation of a range of policy documents aimed at driving up visual and environmental standards.

All of Stephen's projects focus on the importance of green infrastructure as part of a lifelong commitment to delivering positive outcomes for the Council and its community.

Cambridge City Council has just published news that Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, has been granted planning permission to redevelop the ATS and Murketts site on Histon Road, Cambridge.

The site, formerly home to the Murketts car dealership and an unused workshop area of the ATS commercial unit, will be transformed into a residential development comprising 70 new homes – 28 council homes and 42 market-sale properties.

Throughout the planning process, CIP has worked closely with residents and stakeholders, making design changes to the initial planning submission in response to feedback from council officers and the public.

The original application proposed two new access points to Histon Road Recreation Ground – one in the centre and one on the eastern side closer to Histon Road. While these connections aimed to benefit the community, public feedback during the consultation period raised concerns about the central access point, particularly regarding increased foot traffic through the play area and the safety of children.

In response to these concerns, CIP, in consultation with the Local Planning Authority, revised the plans. The central connection to the park has been removed, though the pocket park and visual connection have been retained.

In the new layout, the eastern connection remains and has been enhanced, creating a safe, well-overlooked pedestrian route that improves the overall connectivity to Histon Road Recreation Ground. Additionally, adjustments to the existing railings on the recreation ground have been made to segregate the new path from the playground, further addressing public safety concerns.

The sustainable gas-free development will feature a mixture of two, three and four bedroom terraced and semi-detached homes, as well as one, two and three bedroom apartments. The design emphasises reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy bills, and minimising annual maintenance costs. Secure cycle storage and good pedestrian links promote sustainable travel and transport, with key facilities within walking distance.

Retention of existing trees on the site and in the neighbouring park will help integrate the new housing within its surroundings and provide shade and screening. Native hedgerows and wildflowers will be included along the northern and southern boundaries and on the southern boundary of the pocket park to provide vital habitats for a wide variety of species and enhance biodiversity.