Planning Committee, 07/10/26, 10:00

Cambridge City Council Planning Committee, 7 October 2026 (date stated in the transcript), considered changes to the National Scheme of Delegation and four planning applications. The committee voted 6–3 to note the new national requirements and 6–3 to approve a revised local scheme of delegation. The change removes committee call-in routes for many minor applications and establishes a gateway process for certain larger applications; members raised concerns about transparency and public access to gateway meetings, and the Chair undertook to review the local arrangements and report back.

The committee unanimously approved the Eakin Road estate redevelopment: 134 homes replacing 108 existing homes, with 34 affordable homes (25%) secured through the Section 106 agreement. Possible Homes England funding could support up to 78 affordable homes, but no funding was allocated or counted in the planning decision. Approval included strengthened construction-management requirements and an amendment allowing Section 106 funds to be considered for the Abbey splash pad. The Christ College Library application was approved 6–1, subject to conditions addressing heritage, public access and construction impacts. Applications for five modular homes for people transitioning from homelessness at Kings Hedges Road and a change from six to seven occupants at 40 Barton Road were also approved unanimously and 5–0 with one abstention, respectively. No procurement activity, contract awards or purchasing decisions were identified.