Decision details

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for Development of 37,160 sqm for D1 academic floor space to accommodate the relocation of the Cavendish Laboratory, namely; all associated infrastructure including drainage, utilities, landscape and cycle parking; strategic open space to the south and west of the new Cavendish; modifications to JJ Thomson Avenue to provide disabled parking and changes to road surface materials; alterations to the existing access to Madingley Road to the north west to enable servicing; and demolition of Merton Hall Farmhouse and removal of existing Vet School access road from JJ Thomson Avenue.

The Committee noted the amendment sheet.

Professor Richard Phillips addressed the Committee on behalf on the applicant in support of the application.

Matthew Danish addressed the Committee on behalf of West Cambridge Active Travel in support of the application and stated the following:

       i.          Welcomed the plan.

     ii.          Thanked the applicant for the consultation and engagement.

   iii.          Hoped to have further opportunities to engage as the project progressed.

The committee expressed concerns about the order that applications for the wider West Cambridge site were being considered. Officers confirmed that although the outline application for the wider site had not yet come before the Planning Committee for determination, this application could be considered as a stand-alone application as, in the officer’s view,  it was not prejudicial to the determination of the wider outline application.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 6 votes to 0 with 1 abstention) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report, subject to the completion of a s.106 agreement and subject to the conditions recommended by the officers, as amended by pre-committee amendments set out on the amendment sheet.