New shops for Cambourne?

An artist's impression of possible new shops in Cambourne.


More shops could be coming to Cambourne after an application was submitted to build five large new units on the High Street and Back Lane.

Plans include two new retail units – which would both be roughly twice the size of current units in the High Street – between Cambridge Building Society and Sackville House.

There would also be three larger warehouse retail units opposite Morrisons petrol station on Back Lane, the largest being similar in scale to some of the smaller units at the Beehive Centre in Cambridge.

The proposals also include landscaping, cycle parking, improving links from the car park at the rear of Morrisons through to the High Street and the creation of a new central square.

South Cambridgeshire District Council has now opened a 21-day consultation so residents and business owners can give their views on the proposals before any decision is made. 

The type of application submitted for the shops would mean none of the units could be used as hot food takeaways or businesses where food is consumed on the premises, but residents are being reminded that the Council cannot dictate which retailers take up the proposed new units.

Once the consultation closes on Thursday 6 September, Council planners will discuss the comments received by residents and businesses with the applicant – Newcrest Estates – before it is considered.

Cllr Nick Wright, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for planning economic development, said: “This application is welcome news as we are very supportive of creating new jobs and making Cambourne a more attractive shopping destination.

"However, we need to make sure the plans are right for local people and we will listen to what everyone has to say before any decisions are made. We cannot dictate which retailers would fill the units if they were to be given the go ahead, but it is really important we hear people’s views on the design and layout of the shops.”

Cllr Clayton Hudson, South Cambridgeshire district councillor for Cambourne, said: “I’m very pleased to see this application come forward – it is what we need in Cambourne to make sure the community has real choice and doesn’t need to travel miles for much of their shopping.”

To view, and comment on the application, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/cambourne. You can also give your views by emailing edward.durrant@scambs.gov.uk.

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