Tall buildings are coming to Cambridge. Where should they go, and how tall is too tall?
Cambridge will have more tall and large buildings over the next few years, as planning permission has already been granted for developments in places such as the Grafton Centre and Cambridge Science Park. These buildings will soon be visible as they emerge from the cranes.
It is likely that more will follow. Now is the time to have a say on where tall buildings might be located, and what they might look like. New policies for tall buildings are proposed in the draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan 2025–2045, and the councils are asking for public views.
In recent years, Cambridge has been learning the hard way how to devise planning policies that encourage developers to create attractive, elegant large buildings that respect the city’s character and its skyline of towers, trees and rooftops. Previous policies have not always achieved this, and as a result we have seen a number of large, box-like buildings granted planning permission.
These buildings may appear attractive up close because of their detailing and materials, but when viewed from a distance they often lack distinctiveness and elegance, and can be detrimental to the character of the city and its skyline. By contrast, King’s College Chapel is a large, tall building that contributes positively to Cambridge whether viewed close up or from afar.
Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CPPF) is pleased to see that lessons are being learned. The new tall buildings policies proposed in the latest plan represent a significant improvement. The supporting evidence is constructive, thorough and logical.
The policies seek to address recent problems by requiring well-proportioned buildings that express elegance, proportionality and variety; by considering the cumulative and combined impacts of large and tall buildings in close proximity; and by requiring assessment of likely impacts on heritage and the historic city centre. They also expect developers to explore alternative forms of development to deliver higher densities where tall buildings are not appropriate, and encourage best practice, including presentation to design review panels and improved visibility studies to help decision-makers understand how proposals will appear.
When CPPF raises concerns about ‘giant box’ designs, developers often ask for examples of large buildings that work well. One we frequently cite is the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, which demonstrates that it is possible to create a distinctive commercial building that adds interest to the skyline.
(Photo: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology copyright CambridgePPF)
So, where will these new tall buildings be located? The planners have identified several locations where they believe new tall buildings can be built without significant detriment. These are:
North Cambridge – Cambridge Science Park
East Cambridge – Cambridge Airport development
South Cambridge – Addenbrookes/Biomedical Campus
West Cambridge – University West Campus
City Centre – Grafton Centre and Cambridge Station
These areas already contain tall buildings, or have permission for them, but new proposals could be significantly larger. CPPF recently met with The Crown Estate, which is proposing a 15-storey block of flats near the Science Park.
The intention is to distribute tall buildings around the outer edge of the city, with two smaller areas within it. This raises important questions. Will the cumulative impact disrupt Cambridge’s skyline? Can better design overcome that harm? Should Cambridge remain a predominantly low-rise city to protect its historic skyline and relationship with the surrounding countryside? Does building higher reduce pressure on greenfield land? Does denser development make it easier to provide infrastructure and public services? Or are tall buildings primarily a way to increase profit at the expense of the city’s appearance?
There is clearly a balance to be struck. Has this plan got the balance right?
Have your say at www.greatercambridgeplanning.org/local-plan
