Cambridge Scheme Recommended for Refusal

Plans to build additional purpose-built student accommodation in Cambridge have been knocked back by the council due to its excessive scale and the inability of the applicant to demonstrate the need.

The council's planning officer has recommended the scheme be refused consent, citing an extensive list of reasons why the development should not go ahead.

The report said: "The principle of student accommodation on this site is not supported due to the lack of an identified need being demonstrated, as well as a lack of satisfactory security measures preventing anti-social behaviour of students, given its location."

"The design, scale, height and massing of the proposed development would have a significant adverse impact on the character of the local area and is not in accordance with the Eastern Gate supplementary planning document."

The report also raised concerns over the inappropriate location of cycle parking, as well as the negative impact it will have on St Matthew's Piece and the Mill Road Conservation Area.

Members of the public also made more than 300 objections to the scheme.