Phoenix Building New Museums Site Free School Lane Cambridge Cambridgeshire

Awaiting decision 26/00834/FUL
Council
Date received
3 Mar 2026
Date validated
3 Mar 2026
Postcode
CB2 3RQ

Description

Lightly refurbish two 1970s floors (second and third), adding new toilets and brew points. Refurbish a small area at ground floor to create two universal toilets and a brew point from what is currently male toilet. Removal of a 1970s bridge from Phoenix to the corner of the Balfour Building and replacement of an existing external spiral stair (ground to second floor) with one to modern standards that extends to third floor. The Balfour building, including stonework details, will be repaired/reconstructed where the bridge is removed.

8/10
Planning Authority Score
#15 of 282

Cambridge is faster than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #41 out of 282. Only 26% of applications have the time limit extended, well below the 40% national average - the council usually decides on time. Householder applications are slightly more likely to be approved here (94%) than the national average (90%).

Cambridge decision performance
Based on MHCLG data, 2025
91%
Overall approval rate
Above avg (87%) #92 of 282
94%
Householder approved
Above avg (90%) #95 of 282
90%
Decided in 8 weeks
Above avg (71%) #41 of 282
26%
Extended time limit
Below avg (40%) #33 of 282
77%
Minor dwellings approved
87 decided (1-9 homes)
89%
Major dwellings approved
9 decided (10+ homes)
85%
Change of use approved
41 decided
1,034
Total decisions
94 refused in 2025