Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways Department is opposing the proposed Kendal Court development, with concerns that the car parking plans could have an impact on highway safety.
This Land – a controversial housing company owned by Cambridgeshire County Council – has submitted plans for a development of 28-apartments with ground floor commercial units and garden areas, and car parking is a key concern emerging from the scheme.
While the proposals show provision to store more than 50 bicycles for residents, there are only four car parking spaces. One space will be allocated as disabled parking and the remaining three associated with a car sharing scheme.
The developer argues that the location close to public transport routes and active travel networks will “attract a demographic who will be less likely to own or rely on a private vehicle”. They also say a policy in the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 encourages active travel opportunities and the use of public transport – and “reduce reliance upon the car”.
But the Highways report comments on “a substantial parking shortfall”, saying it “is likely to result in an increase in on-street parking” and there is also “no robust justification” to demonstrate the Car Club scheme “would materially reduce car ownership”.
Its official response says: “The applicant has not sufficiently demonstrated that the parking arrangements proposed within this application would not create conditions detrimental to highway safety within the vicinity of the site, posing an unacceptable risk to road users.”
Additional concerns are raised about how deliveries and refuse collections would be carried out. Overall, Highways has requested “that the application is not approved in its present form”.
GP services
Meanwhile, the Cambridge and Peterborough Integrated Care System explained the development could generate approximately 67 residents and that “the existing GP practices do not have capacity to accommodate the additional growth”. This includes Firs House Surgery.
It has therefore requested a developer contribution of around £23,500 before the scheme begins “to mitigate the impacts of this proposal upon primary healthcare”. The funds will be used to increase clinical capacity at Firs House or any other GP practice around the Cambridge North villages.
The Ambulance Service has calculated the additional services required to support the development will cost £10,400 and also advised defibrillators are in place for the new community.
Public comments
At time of writing, 28 residents had submitted their thoughts on the proposals to planners – 26 were objections and two said they felt “neutral” towards the scheme. As well as parking and traffic, concerns were also raised about the height of the building overlooking nearby properties and the style.
One resident who submitted a “neutral” comment said they felt “development of the site is needed and ultimately inevitable”. However their “main concern is the sheer lack of parking”.
Their comment also considered that the overlooking issue “has clearly been mitigated” in the developer’s plans. They added: “Architecturally, the proposal suits the contemporary developments bounding the busway, however, it is a shame that no homage appears to have been paid towards the historical vernacular of Histon & Impington.”
Residents had the opportunity to view the most recent redevelopment proposals for the Station Stores site this week. The plans – which are also available on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service portal – were on display at a community meeting held at the Rec on Tuesday evening (20 January). Councillors were present to answer questions.
The public have until tomorrow (23 January) to submit their own personal comments on the proposals using the online planning portal.
The Parish Council will then hold an extraordinary meeting of the Planning and Development Committee on Tuesday (27 January) where the application will be debated and a formal response finalised. This will begin at 7:30pm in the Community Room at the Rec.
At the meeting, councillors will also discuss an application for a new pavement licence that could allow food and drink to be served outside The Boot gastro pub.
The proposals for Kendal Court are available at the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service’s planning portal. Residents have until Friday (23 January) to share their views.
The Extraordinary Meeting of the Planning Committee to debate the proposals will be held on Tuesday (27 January 2026) from 7:30pm in the Community Room at the Rec. See agenda pack here.
H&I residents are invited to attend to listen to the debates at Parish Council meetings, and anyone who wishes to speak is advised to contact the office in advance. Email clerk@hisimp-pc.gov.uk for details.
READ MORE: New plans for Station Stores site made public, Funeral director told to leave premises of 21 years for new development, Council’s debt-ridden company now owns Station Stores site
Architecture. 🤣🤣
I agree with all of the above objections. At least 1 parking space per flat is still necessary plus visitor spaces. Commercial space at this end of our villages with parking is important too.
A ridiculous proposal. Parking, traffic, which is very bad now. Schools, doctors surgery’s
The loss of a store that many use & Richard Stebbings Funeral Directors, who have provided the villages with a outstanding service to all. These planners never think about what they are taking away from the area & the stress that they cause to those hard working individuals. Yes I strongly object to this proposal
Building 28 flats means that the impact of AT LEAST another 28 cars needing parking has to be thought about. So far in the history of urban planning, trying to reduce car usage by making parking difficult hasn’t worked, it has only made local roads more dangerous. This development should not go ahead
I object to this development in its current form as there is not enough parking provision for 28 flats. The on road parking in that area and the village overall is appalling and your vision, although admirable, is not achievable at the moment. People have outside interests apart from work, such as, wider family and friends and recreational pursuits.