Newmarket Road, Cambridge

Located just south of Newmarket Road, approximately 3.5 km east of Cambridge City Centre, it has excellent access to established bus routes along Newmarket Road. The site sits within the East Barnwell Area, a distinct mid-20th-century community of Local Authority housing, bounded by Coldham’s Common, Stourbridge Common, Ditton Meadows to the west, and Cambridge Airport to the east.

The area's urban fabric maintains a strong residential character, with primary frontages along streets like Newmarket Road and Ditton Lane, though some commercial and industrial buildings deviate from this pattern. Notably, properties at No. 664 and 666 extend further forward than typical residential buildings on Newmarket Road, creating a unique variation in the streetscape.

The project includes retaining No. 666 (HMO) with minor modifications to No. 664 (B&B) and constructing four new 1.5-story, two-bedroom dwellings. This requires demolishing existing outbuildings and adjusting the current vehicular access.

The design takes a contemporary architectural approach that aligns with the character of East Barnwell. Thoughtful consideration of scale, massing, and density ensures the proposal fits seamlessly with the surrounding buildings, while delivering much-needed housing within Cambridge. Each design choice reflects the local architectural language, contributing a harmonious yet modern addition to the area.

From the earliest design stages, the objective has been to uphold the highest standards of quality, ensuring the development integrates cohesively with its surroundings. The units are thoughtfully positioned to avoid overlooking or overshadowing neighbouring properties, respecting local sensibilities around privacy and light access. The design references local building lines and heights, maintaining a comfortable balance with nearby structures.

The proposal is crafted to complement the character of the area and neighbouring properties, presenting a positive and high-quality built form that enhances the local streetscape. Careful attention has been given to creating a design that respects existing building lines, avoids excessive massing, and maintains the area's aesthetic appeal while contributing to its growth in a thoughtful and community-sensitive way.