The decision to call in the scheme followed South Cambridgeshire District Council’s failure to determine Chesterton Partnership’s plan for the scheme on a 17-hectare former railway sidings site within the allocated timeframe.

The development partnership, involving Network Rail, DB Cargo and Brookgate, used architects Acme and Make to design the flats and nearly 600,000 sq ft of space for life sciences and tech labs and offices.

Aerial view of the proposed scheme next to Cambridge North railway stations

Designed by Acme and Make, the Cambridge North scheme is now set to create over 2,000 construction jobs during a five-year construction programme.

Housing planned will provide a mixture of tenures, including 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes for sale, shared ownership or affordable rent. 40% of the 155 homes for private sale will be designated as affordable housing.

New public spaces, such as Chesterton Gardens at the heart of the residential quarter, will create a neighbourhood courtyard including children’s play equipment, seating and extensive planting encouraging everyone to use the space.

A new civic space Chesterton Square (pictured above) will provide an active public space and supporting amenities for people to enjoy.

Sven Topel, CEO at Brookgate, said: “We are pleased that the Secretary of State has recognised the important local and national value of these plans in supporting the sustainable growth of Cambridge, providing much-needed homes and science and technology workspace.

“The continued regeneration of public brownfield land around the Cambridge North Station will create an open and accessible mixed-use neighbourhood providing an attractive and vibrant gateway from the station to surrounding areas.

“The delivery of high-quality workspace, including laboratory, technology and office will make this development at Cambridge North an integral part of the city’s aims to become a life science superpower, in line with the Government’s own ambitions for the region and country.”