Issue details

This report provides an update on the Council’s Small Sites Programme; an initiative focused on bringing forward underutilised and infill sites across Cambridge to deliver new Council housing. This programme is designed to provide opportunities for the Small to Medium (SME) sector in the region particularly architects, consultants, and SME contractors.

These proposals aim to deliver 100% affordable – council - homes including the provision of larger family homes and accessible accommodation, which remain in short supply locally. The total number of new council homes is 91 new homes a net gain of 88 predominantly 3 and 4 bed houses.

With Homes England funding, the council will be able to offer more of the new council homes on the lowest level of council rent – ‘social rent,’ which is discounted to around 40-45% of market rents.

The report outlines progress on three existing schemes (Kendal Way, Paget Road, and St Thomas Road) and seeks approval to progress three additional sites – Queen's Meadow Phase 2, The Hawthorns at Haviland Way, and the Horizons Community Centre site. The indicative combined budget for these proposals is £37.4 million drawn down from allocated budgets.

All homes will be designed in line with the Cambridge Sustainable Housing Design Guide, supporting the Council’s objectives on sustainability, energy efficiency, and tackling fuel poverty.