Cambridge faces a decision on Beehive Centre plans. Council officers warn of negative impacts on daylight for nearby houses.
The planning committee votes on February 12. Railpen submitted the research and development center idea last August.
The new center planned office and lab spaces. Shops and restaurants would occupy the ground floor. Railpen claimed it would create many jobs for people in the area. Specifically, the proposal mentioned six thousand, four hundred fifty jobs if things went forward.
Council officers think the development would harm residents. Homes may become darker and colder. They deem the harm to neighbors too significant. Railpen tried shortening buildings and increasing distance from homes after a consultation in July 2024.
A report highlights daylight and sunlight reduction. Several rooms and gardens would suffer. The Building Research Establishment guidelines were cited. St Matthew’s Gardens and Silverwood Close residents would be impacted.
The new buildings could visually overwhelm residents. Those living in St Matthew’s Gardens and Silverwood Close risk an “oppressive” experience. Gardens might become unpleasant due to shadows.
The development could appear too dominant. This would result in an enclosed outlook.
Two hundred twenty-eight out of 263 comments oppose the project. Local residents call the plan “overbearing.” They are very concerned regarding the proposal and its impact on homes, as it could devastate the area.
A York Street resident fears losing their way of life. They described potential science park buildings as excessively scaled. It would “ruin” a “loved” residential area.
Railpen also owns Cambridge Retail Park nearby. ASDA, TK Maxx and more might move there. This idea is in the council officers’ report. B&M, Next, Pets at Home, and Wren were also mentioned.
The council will not vote on store relocation idea. The vote during the meeting on the proposal is limited to the original plan. You can learn more about the meeting and proposals online.