Eoin Mccaul

Huntingdonshire District Council rejected Gladman Retirement Living's proposal for an 86-flat complex for people over 65 on the edge of St Ives. The Planning Inspectorate found that the development would urbanise an open, natural landscape and have a dominant presence beside a lake used by Hunts Sailing Club. Concerns also included poor pedestrian access to the town centre, noise and wind effects, although the scheme would contribute to housing supply. Gladman Retirement Living has appealed the decision.

South Cambridgeshire District Council has approved, by four votes to one, a 74-hectare solar farm at Low Fen Drove Way in Horningsea, despite concerns about damage to the green belt, countryside character and nearby Grade II-listed Biggin Abbey. The project, developed by Innova Renewables, is expected to power more than 13,000 homes and include battery storage for 40 years before the land is restored to agricultural use. Supporters cite its contribution to renewable-energy and decarbonisation targets, while councillors opposing or questioning it argue that a 40-year development is not genuinely temporary and that alternative locations may be available.

A 74-hectare solar farm at Low Fen Drove Way in Horningsea has been approved by South Cambridgeshire District Council's planning committee in a four-to-one vote. The project, developed by Innova Renewables, is expected to power more than 13,000 homes and includes a battery storage facility operating for 40 years before the site is restored to agriculture. Council officers classified the land as grey belt, while councillors raised concerns about the loss of green-belt protection, the industrialisation of the countryside and possible effects on nearby Grade II listed Biggin Abbey. Supporters argued that the scheme would advance local and national renewable-energy and decarbonisation targets, reflecting the trade-offs involved in expanding clean-energy infrastructure.

Cambridge councillors from multiple parties backed tighter controls on houses in multiple occupation, with proposals to require planning permission for smaller HMOs and set thresholds to limit their concentration. A forthcoming cabinet report will outline how an Article Four direction could be implemented. Councillors emphasised tenant welfare, the need for better management by landlords and concerns over inadequate housing supply.

Clare Hall withdrew its objection to the proposed £200m Cambourne to Cambridge busway after reaching a confidential agreement with Cambridgeshire County Council, including payments and limits on overnight bus operations. The deal emerged through a Freedom of Information request by a landowner affected by the route, who questioned the significance of the concessions given that service decisions rest with the mayor. The project, facing over 300 objections and concerns about future redundancy once East West Rail is built, awaits a government decision following a public inquiry.

Councillors criticised delays in redeveloping derelict properties on Wisbech High Street after the planning process stalled due to an unresolved bat survey. Members expressed frustration that the issue was not communicated earlier, calling the situation embarrassing for Fenland District Council. The proposal is expected to go before the planning committee in September, with concerns that further delay could reflect poorly on the council ahead of upcoming local government reorganisation.

A councillor criticised the George Campbell Leisure Centre in March, Cambridgeshire, after scum built up around the swimming pool allowed someone to write 'Clean Me' in it. He reported widespread maintenance issues including broken lockers, toilets and dryers. Freedom Leisure acknowledged the problems, citing failures in cleaning routines and communication between frontline staff and management, and said improvements were needed.