Communities secretary rejects housebuilder's attempt to build less than 40% affordable housing on neighbouring Cambridge schemes

Communities secretary John Denham has turned down an appeal by Countryside Properties over the 2,550-home Clay Farm and Glebe Farm schemes in Cambridge.

The decision, which went against the recommendation of the planning inspector, rejected Countryside’s contention that it should be able to build a lower amount of affordable housing than the 40% called for by Cambridge City council.

Countryside appealed over the schemes on the grounds of non-determination by the council after talks over the section 106 agreement broke down following planning applications in June 2007 and March 2008.

Countryside said in a statement it was still committed to bringing the schemes on neighbouring sites forward.

Together with the local authorities, we are very keen to see these important schemes delivered

John Oldham, director and group chief town planner

John Oldham, director and group chief town planner at the housebuilder, said the decision was “very disappointing.”

He said: “Together with the local authorities, we are very keen to see these important schemes delivered so that much needed housing in Cambridge can be provided.

"We will be working with the City and County Councils and other stakeholders to agree the best way forward in the delivery of Clay and Glebe Farm.”

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