Councillors in Cambridge have approved plans for a new development comprising 425 flats with just 22 car parking spaces, a decision that has drawn criticism from residents and local officials who describe the scheme as "divorced from reality."
The Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council joint development committee gave the green light to the project, located at the Cambridge North Residential Quarter site, which will include 711 bicycle parking spaces and an additional 140 for visitors. Developers stated the location, near a train station and busway, reduces the need for extensive car parking, offering an "exceptional opportunity" to utilize public transport, walking, or cycling.
However, critics have raised concerns about the practicality of such limited car parking. For the scheme to function, car ownership among residents would need to be as low as 5%. This contrasts sharply with Cambridge, where an estimated 50-60% of the population own cars. Opposition comments on social media highlighted potential difficulties for tradespeople and visitors needing vehicle access.
"People do not want to live like this. They do not make proper communities. Said it before – ghettoes of tomorrow," wrote one online objector. Another resident noted that tradesmen have indicated they will not take jobs in the area due to the lack of parking.
Conservative councillor Richard Williams branded the scheme "bizarre" and "shocking," stating he could not identify any UK location with car ownership levels low enough to support such a parking ratio. He argued that developers are detached from reality if they believe eliminating car parking spaces will eliminate car use.
The development is a joint venture involving Blocwork, Network Rail, Grainger, and Platform4 Rail Regeneration. Construction is slated to begin next year, with completion expected by 2030. The development will offer a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental apartments, with 118 designated as affordable housing. It will also feature green spaces, ground-floor retail, and tree-lined streets.
The 22 car parking bays will be situated at the perimeter of the site, with six reserved for disabled use. Developers are exploring options for a residents' car club, and a separate 600-space car park is proposed for commercial business users only.
This development is part of the Cambridge North Masterplan, which already includes a hotel and commercial buildings. Local Lib Dem councillor Henry Batchelor, responsible for planning, acknowledged that residents might seek parking in surrounding areas, including the nearby village of Milton. Parish councillors in Milton have expressed concerns about an influx of resident vehicles parking on their streets and are seeking measures to deter this.
The city has a history of promoting cycling-centric initiatives, some of which have faced backlash. Past projects include Cambridge South station, which offers 1,000 bike spaces but no car parking, and the city's first "cycle street." A Dutch-style roundabout, intended to improve safety and traffic flow, has been criticized for causing confusion and an increase in accidents. Earlier attempts to implement a congestion charge were also shelved due to public opposition.
Developers maintain that the design aligns with national planning policies encouraging active travel in well-connected locations. A spokeswoman for Blocwork stated the scheme is designed for minimal car use, reflecting its proximity to public transport links and national policy objectives for sustainable housing. Helen Gordon, CEO of Grainger, added that Cambridge North is an ideal location for their build-to-rent model due to its connectivity and high demand.