Cambridge Council’s planning committee has handed redevelopment proposals for the former National Institute of Agricultural Botany site back to developer Vertex Living.
The local community voiced concerns that the proposed redevelopment would cause traffic problems harmful to the neighbouring Howes Place conservation area. Councillors have deferred the scheme, asking the developer to adjust the designs and adding access roads.
The site already has a planning approval, granted in 2022, for the construction of 291 flats and a 202-bedroom aparthotel, but late in 2023, Vertex Living proposed four laboratory and office buildings instead, measuring 341,830 sq ft. The scheme also features a 2,336 sq ft café and car and cycle parking.
