Press Release: We Have More To Do
Better Beehive Cambridge Responds to Beehive Site Decision: We Have More To Do
Better Beehive Cambridge today expressed disappointment following the Secretary of State’s decision to approve the outline planning application for the Beehive Centre redevelopment. The decision comes despite clear evidence within the planning inspector’s own report that residents, particularly those on the boundary of Silverwood Close and St Matthew’s Gardens, would face significant negative impacts on daylight, and sunlight.
We are pleased that the Secretary of State acknowledges that homes bordering the site would suffer major losses of daylight and overshadowing if the development were built to the maximum heights permitted by the outline consent. It also recognises that residents would experience a “substantial adjustment” to their rear outlook, with reduced natural light and reduced amenity space quality. A condition that ensures that any future detailed design does not worsen daylight, sunlight, or overshadow properties in the illustrative plan is welcome. We understand that the Secretary of State gives this harm significant weight, and the applicant should be cognisant of harm at the Reserved Matters stage.
It is encouraging to see the financial commitments Railpen will make to the city; these are undeniably positive, and we hope they will benefit those who have been vocal in their objections and the area around the Beehive.
“This is not entirely the outcome we had hoped for,” said Emma Smith, spokesperson for Better Beehive Cambridge. “The inspector has accepted that many local homes and long-established communities will experience harm and added conditions around this. It’s clear that voicing concerns through the planning process is important in our growing city and we hope that encourages people to speak up in the future, it does make a difference.”
Better Beehive Cambridge emphasised that the campaign is far from over. The approval is for an outline scheme only. The next stage - Reserved Matters - will determine the actual building heights, layouts, overshadowing impacts, massing, and mitigation measures. Critically, the decision includes a condition requiring that final designs must not exceed the level of daylight/sunlight harm shown in the illustrative plans.
“The Reserved Matters stage is now where real influence lies,” Emma added. “If everyone who supported this campaign shows up again - writes in, attends consultations, scrutinises plans - we can still push for a development that respects its neighbours. The outline permission is not a blank cheque.”
Better Beehive Cambridge is calling on residents, supporters, and community groups to stay engaged, particularly those who previously submitted objections or expressed concerns. The group thank Cllr Richard Robertson, Cambrige Past, Present and Future and all who wrote.
What Supporters Can Do Next
Follow updates at: www.betterbeehivecambridge.net
Register with the council’s planning portal to receive notifications on Reserved Matters submissions (log in and click the Track button to get notices as each application is updated)
Attend public consultations when they open
Submit formal comments during the design and layout review stages
Help spread awareness among neighbours who may not yet understand the implications of the approval, and help us tackle rumours with facts from this site and the council’s planning portal.
Summary
The group says the goal is not to block all redevelopment, but to ensure that regeneration of the Beehive Centre produces truly sustainable, human-scaled, and community-positive outcomes.
“We believe redevelopment can be done well but only if people remain at the table,” said Emma Smith. “This is a pivotal moment. The voice of the people of Cambridge matters now more than ever.”
ENDS