Bidwells has long been calling for a reformed UK planning system to support innovation in the region. In 2022, our Radical Capital report brought together 60 leaders of academia, real estate and business identify how the region can work cohesively to supercharge the UK economy around science and innovation.
Much of the Minister’s speech echoed the ambition set out by our contributors. But there was plenty on how Gove sees Cambridge's role and how he wants planning to help deliver it.
Supercharging Cambridge as Europe's science capital. Proposals aim to address property market constraints and limited lab space, elevating Cambridge's status as a science hub.
Ambitious plans for sustainable neighbourhoods. A vision for well-designed, sustainable neighbourhoods with cutting-edge labs and green spaces.
Infrastructure and housing through land value capture. Government to develop infrastructure and affordable housing using land value capture.
Establishment of Cambridge Delivery Group. A £5 million backed group, chaired by Peter Freeman, Chair of Homes England, to drive the project forward.
Immediate action on water scarcity. Convening a Water Scarcity Working Group with relevant partners to address water constraints. Supporting sustainable development in the local plan and providing £3 million funding for water efficiency measures.
Unblocking stalled development. £500,000 funding to assist with planning capacity and accelerate the relocation of water treatment works. Creation of new residential and commercial spaces, including schools, parks, and life science research facilities.
Planning system reform. A new £24 million fund will help to scale up local planning capacity, and an additional £13 million of funding will back the “super-squad” of experts to support large scale development projects, beginning work in Cambridge.
At Bidwells, we have long believed in Cambridge's ability to drive economic growth in the UK. But reform of the planning system to deliver state of the art facilities, with cutting-edge laboratories and green spaces, remains the key to its economic success.
These latest Government pledges are being largely welcomed by the leaders of science parks and innovation districts based in the city, and by Bidwells planning team, who set out their early responses to the proposals below.
