Planning application submitted for next phase of Waterbeach development

Phase 2, situated to the south of the homes and amenities currently being built, will provide up to 2,700 new homes, alongside schools, sports pitches, parks, play areas and key town centre facilities, including shops, cafés, a health centre and community space, building on the foundations already established in Phase 1.

The proposals enable designs for a future Town Centre to come forward and will continue the focus on creating a sustainable, well‑connected and inclusive place, with energy‑efficient homes, high‑quality green spaces and strong walking, cycling and public transport connections.

Phase 2 will begin at a new roundabout on the A10, currently progressing through planning, and will include significant transport infrastructure linking the Waterbeach Park & Ride, the future town centre and the relocated rail station. This will include a segregated public transport and active travel route, extensive cycle connections and new walking routes, including the reinstatement of the historic Causeway through the heart of the development. Together, these connections are designed to support sustainable travel patterns from the outset, improving access to jobs, education and services across Greater Cambridge while reducing reliance on private cars.

Planning for Phase 2 has been informed by ongoing engagement with local authority teams, key partners from wildlife, access and heritage sectors, as well as the local community and the new residents already making Waterbeach their home. Phase 2 will also support the continued growth of community life at Waterbeach, complementing facilities in Phase 1. This includes a permanent health facility, a community centre, the land for three schools – a secondary school, a primary school, and a Special Educational Needs school. These core components will sit at the heart of Waterbeach, providing essential services for new residents and surrounding communities.

Harriet Nicholls, Senior Development Manager for Urban&Civic, said: ‘The submission of Phase 2 is a major milestone for Waterbeach New Town and for the wider Cambridge area. We’re excited not just about the delivery of the next homes in this phase, but also some really important amenities from schools and health in and around the new Town Centre, to the parks and play spaces for residents and neighbours to enjoy.

“This phase will also see further major investment in connections, from the bus only main link through the heart of Phase 2, to the reimagined historic Causeway prioritising walking and cycling. We will continue to work closely with our partners and the local community as these plans progress through the planning process.”

Waterbeach is being delivered in phases that reflect the original Outline Planning Consent for the development. The Phase 2 planning application sets out key principles, spatial layout and Design Codes, which will ensure a consistent vision for the design of homes, amenities, infrastructure such as roads and cycle ways, and green spaces. Following on from that, individual parts of the development will come forward in detailed design, like the homes and amenities being delivered in Phase 1.

Subject to planning approval, Phase 2 will play an important role in meeting housing needs across Greater Cambridge, while supporting sustainable growth through the delivery of infrastructure, services and community facilities alongside new homes.

Further information about the plans can be found at www.waterbeachwb.co.uk.