Laboratory and office buildings at Former National Institute Of Agricultural Botany, Cambridge

“Ref: 23/04643/OUT Address: Former National Institute of Agricultural Botany, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE Application details: Committee Date: 15 July 2026 Report to: Joint Development Management Committee Lead Officer: Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development Ward/parish: Castle Proposal: Outline application (all matters reserved except for layout, scale and access arrangements on to Laurence Weaver Road) for the demolition of all site buildings and…”

“The Proposed Application 2.1 This is an outline planning application (all matters reserved except for layout, scale and access arrangements on to Laurence Weaver Road) for the demolition of all site buildings and structures other than Chapter House and erection of buildings for laboratory / office (Class E (g(i)) and (g(ii))) and café use (class E(b)), and associated facilities and infrastructure, along with the relocation of existing facilities serving the retained…”

“The application was originally deferred at the Joint Development Control Committee (JDCC) on 23 April 2025, to enable further work in respect of parameter plans and to explore the potential for addressing Howes Place access arrangements and concerns raised by local residents.”

“Councillor Fisher proposed, and Councillor Smart seconded, reverting to the original recommendation as detailed in the Officer’s report. The proposal was rejected by 9 votes to 2 with 1 abstention.”

“Unanimously resolved to delegate authority to the Director of Planning to refuse planning permission for the development of outline planning application 23/04643/OUT for the below stated reason if, in the Director of Planning’s view, the applicants had failed to complete or failed to make satisfactory…”

“The proposed development failed to make adequate provision for the necessary mitigation and infrastructure contributions required to make the development acceptable in planning terms. In the absence of a completed S106 Planning Agreement, the Council as the local planning authority was unable to secure financial contributions towards public transport improvements and the provision of waiting restrictions/controlled parking zones.”