In 2006-07, Pembroke College proposed to develop the rear gardens of 5 houses in Panton Street, part of Cambridge's 'New Town' Central Conservation Area dating from the 1820s - 1870s.

Their planning application was rejected by the Planning Department, and following an appeal, was dismissed by the Planning Inspector.

Now, in 2023, Pembroke College are trying again! Their application for 3 large houses across 4 gardens, with 2 carports & large bin site in the 5th garden proposes:

• to cut down the remaining mature trees, following the removal of others before them in recent years, to leave a small garden to be shared with 30+ occupants in the main period houses and 9 occupants in the new houses
• to build 3 large houses that are oversized and not in keeping with the character of narrow St Eligius Street to the rear, overlooking properties just 20 feet (6 metres) opposite   
• to ignore Conservation Area law that protects not just buildings but also streets, trees, paths and views of historical interest of which 'it is desirable to preserve or enhance'  

The determination by the Planning Inspector at appeal in 2007 said:

• The rear gardens of the appeal site are an integral part of the "back lane" character [of St Eligius Street] and they provide a green interruption to the hard surfaces of bricks and mortar…
• Their importance is as part of a vegetated open space, which is of considerable value and makes a positive contribution towards local distinctiveness and the character of the conservation area.
• These [gardens] provide a green setting and a visual interruption that helps diffuse the intensity of an otherwise tightly packed built environment.

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Please Sign & Support our Petition!

Newtown has no public park. Its residential gardens, though private, are the only green spaces in this part of Cambridge that help the city combat urban heat, improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, provide environments for wildlife, and have significant amenity & health value for residents.

Loss of family homes & gardens. Subdividing plots, removing walls and established trees & plants for such a development removes homes & gardens suitable for families in a central location near leading schools & public transport. Removed from the city's housing stock, this approach impacts the housing market, blocking a range of potential owners from moving up, releasing smaller homes for others. If approved, this creates a housing site only suitable for institutions to own for their private commercial purposes. This type of development is not in the public interest.

Loss of Trees. Two notable trees in the gardens, a 8m tall Yew (c.100+ years old), one of only two in the area, and 5m tall Cotoneaster, are proposed to be felled. Yew trees not only provide habitats for nesting and food for birds & small mammals, but they are mostly dioecious (male or female) so the loss of one tree will affect others.

Impact on Conservation Area. New Town has a distinctive character from 1820-1870. Building an oversized short terrace of late Victorian design is a) not in keeping with the area and b) not sufficient to preserve or enhance the original period houses & gardens from a much earlier period overlooking a small lane to their rear. 

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We urge our City Councillors and City Planning Department & Consultees to:

1. Respect the earlier Planning Department and Planning Inspector determinations to reject this development, upholding Conservation Area laws and Local Plan policies.

2. Reject repeat attempts by Pembroke College that has sought over a sustained period to fulfil its private self interests with proposals that are not in the public interest.

Thank you for your support!