Temporary community centre at The Green, Pathfinder Way, Northstowe

“Report contents Document section Document heading 1 Executive summary 2 Site description and context 3 The proposal 4 Relevant site history 5 Policy 6 Consultations 7 Third party representations 8 Member representations 9 Local Groups / petitions 10 Planning background 11 Assessment 12 Principle Of Development 13 Design Layout Scale and Landscaping 14 Carbon Reduction and Sustainable design 15 Biodiversity 16 Water Management and Flood Risk 17 Highway Safety and Transport…”

“The application seeks the continued operation of the existing temporary community centre for a further period until 30 September 2026. No changes are proposed to the scale, appearance, layout or operation of the development.”

“Site description and context 2.1 The site is located within Phase 1 of Northstowe and forms part of the local centre at The Green. The site accommodates an existing temporary modular community building, together with associated access arrangements.”

“Residential development surrounds the site to the east and south. Immediately to the west is the formal square known as The Green and to the north is the permanent community building which is currently under construction. Beyond this is land which will form part of the wider Enterprise Zone.”

“The existing temporary community centre was approved as an interim facility to meet community needs pending delivery of the permanent community building. The current application seeks to allow the continued operation of that temporary facility for a further limited period, in light of the anticipated programme for delivery of the permanent Unity Centre…”

“The continued use of the site as a temporary community facility is consistent with Policy SC/4 of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan (2018), which highlights the importance of community facilities in helping to build a sense of community and minimise the need to travel. Policy SC/6 similarly supports the provision of indoor community facilities in appropriate locations.”

“Neighbour letters – Y Site Notice – Y Press Notice – Y Drainage - No Objection 6.1 A short-term temporary consent until 30 September 2026 is acceptable. Environmental Health Officer - No Objection 6.2 No comments on behalf of Environmental Health at this time. Local Highway Authority - No Objection…”

“Third party representations 7.1 No representations have been received.”

“The committee received an application for temporary planning permission for the continued use of a modular community building on the site of the local centre at The Green, Northstowe, until 30 September 2026.”

“In response to members’ questions: i. The Planning Officer confirmed that the purpose of the application was to extend the period by which the temporary facility needed to be taken down by. This application shouldn’t cause a delay to the provision of the permanent facility. If further time was required to remove the temporary structure a new planning application would be required. ii.”

“By unanimous vote of 5, the Committee approved the application as per the officer recommendation subject to: • The planning conditions set out in the officer’s report with minor amendments to the conditions as drafted delegated to officers.”