https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news A dated record of decisions, approvals and publications affecting the strategies shaping Greater Cambridge — stated from primary sources, with links to the entities each item changes. en-gb Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0100 https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-c2c-twao-2026 https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-c2c-twao-2026 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0100 The Cambourne to Cambridge guided busway was approved on 8 September 2026: the Transport and Works Act Order was made and planning permission granted, subject to conditions. The scheme is a segregated busway from Cambourne to Cambridge via Bourn Airfield, Hardwick, Coton and the West Cambridge site, with intermediate stops, bridges over the M11 and Bin Brook, and a park and ride at Scotland Farm, Dry Drayton (2,000 spaces, per GCP). Construction must begin within 3 years. The route crosses Coton Orchard County Wildlife Site: the decision letter records a permanent harmful effect on the site, requires a compensation strategy — including for its veteran trees — before any works there, and secures 10% biodiversity net gain across the scheme. https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-sidney-solar-2026 https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-sidney-solar-2026 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0100 148 rooftop solar panels (67.3 kWp) at Blundell Court, Sidney Sussex College, received prior approval on 3 September 2026 (26/02154/PRIOR). The application documents state approximately 58,000 kWh per year generated, with no battery storage. The college's proposal describes a wider 120 kW ambition including Garden Court (52.8 kWp), which has not yet appeared on the planning portal. https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-strategic-partnership-2026 https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-strategic-partnership-2026 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100 Cambridge City Council announced a £96.4m Homes England grant for social and affordable housing on 25 August 2026 — Cambridge is 'one of only three local authorities selected for a Strategic Partnership'. The programme: 'nearly 3,000 new homes by 2036, 1,400 of which will be new council homes with at least 60% of these at social rent', alongside a £584m package previously committed by the council. The immediate programme is 803 council homes (723 at social rent) at Hanover and Princess Court, Ekin Road, and a Small Sites Programme. https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-reg19-open-2026 https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-reg19-open-2026 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100 The Proposed Submission (Regulation 19) consultation on the Greater Cambridge Local Plan opened on 3 August 2026 and closes at 5pm on 25 September 2026; the councils state no late representations will be accepted. The plan provides for over 50,000 homes to 2045. Submission to government is scheduled by the end of December 2026, with independent examination expected to begin in early 2027. https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-devcorp-established-2026 https://cambridge.developmentobservatory.org/#news-devcorp-established-2026 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0100 The Greater Cambridge Development Corporation was established on 23 July 2026 as 'a statutory delivery body set up as a new local-national partnership' (Cambridge Growth Company statement). Its powers include consolidating land for development, investing in strategic sites, and building transport and services concurrently with housing. Board composition and the statutory instrument have not yet been published.