Planning Committee, 2 September 2026, 10am Part 1

The Cambridge City Council Planning Committee convened on September 2, 2026, to discuss the redevelopment of Market Square, a significant public realm project involving the installation of fixed and demountable market stalls, repaving, landscaping, and accessibility improvements. The council considered updates following a previous deferral, including amendments to the scheme addressing highway safety, heritage impacts, cycle parking, and trader concerns. Key procurement-related aspects included the council acting as applicant for the Regulation 3 planning application, with a project budget of approximately £13.6 million. The committee heard from public speakers both supporting and objecting to the proposals, with debates focusing on the balance between heritage harm and public benefits, highway safety concerns related to shared surface design, loss and relocation of cycle parking spaces, and the flexibility and viability of market stalls for traders. Several councillors expressed differing views on the adequacy of consultation with traders, environmental considerations such as tree planting, and the impact of the design on the market's character and accessibility. The committee also discussed conditions related to stall design flexibility, event management, and operating hours. The meeting included detailed technical presentations and input from planning officers, highways authorities, and conservation experts. A lunch break was taken before continuing deliberations. No final vote or decision was recorded in the transcript provided.