Stone Hill Gardens is a proposal for up to 120 thoughtfully designed homes on land at the western edge of Great Shelford. The development has been shaped to respond to local housing need while respecting the character, scale and landscape setting of the village.
The scheme would provide 50% affordable housing alongside open market homes, creating opportunities for people at different stages of life and income levels to live in a sustainable location close to employment, services and community facilities.
We recognise that this land is currently designated as Green Belt and that proposals of this nature require careful consideration. This consultation seeks to explain the context for the proposals and invite feedback before a planning application is submitted.
Location and Sustainability
The site is accessed via Almond Close off Cambridge Road and sits adjacent to existing residential development. It lies approximately 2.3 miles from the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, placing major employment centres within easy cycling distance. Village shops, schools, recreation grounds and public transport are all accessible on foot or by bicycle.
In locational terms, the site is one of the more sustainable edge-of-village sites in the southern Cambridge area. Many daily journeys could be undertaken without reliance on long car commutes, supporting national objectives for sustainable growth.
Green Belt Context
The site forms part of the Cambridge Green Belt as defined under the National Planning Policy Framework. National policy protects the Green Belt from inappropriate development but also recognises that not all land designated as Green Belt performs equally against its purposes.This site is physically contained by existing development and infrastructure and does not serve to prevent the merging of settlements. It does not form part of open countryside separating distinct communities, nor does it contribute meaningfully to safeguarding the wider rural setting of Cambridge.
In planning terms, land of this nature is sometimes referred to as “grey belt” — areas that make a limited contribution to Green Belt purposes and may be capable of accommodating sustainable development where significant public benefits are delivered.
We understand that residents may have strong views on Green Belt matters and welcome specific comments on this aspect of the proposal.
Example housing layouts
Housing Need and Land Supply
Great Shelford and the wider South Cambridgeshire area face sustained affordability pressures driven by economic growth across Cambridge’s science, technology and healthcare sectors. Many younger households and key workers find it increasingly difficult to secure housing close to their place of work.National planning policy requires local authorities to maintain a rolling five-year supply of deliverable housing sites. Where housing delivery falls below required levels, sustainable sites adjacent to settlements may need to be considered to ensure that supply keeps pace with need.
Stone Hill Gardens seeks to respond to that context by delivering a significant proportion of affordable homes in a sustainable location, alongside contributions toward local infrastructure.
Affordable Housing Commitment
Half of all homes proposed at Stone Hill Gardens would be affordable. This level of provision is substantially above typical market delivery and is intended to ensure genuine access for local households and essential workers.Affordable homes would include a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership. They would be integrated throughout the development and indistinguishable in design and quality from market homes, supporting a cohesive and inclusive neighbourhood.
The objective is to enable healthcare staff, teachers, researchers, technicians and young families to remain living in the communities where they work and contribute.
Design and Character
The layout and architecture draw inspiration from Great Shelford’s established character. Traditional materials, varied building forms and landscaped streets would create a natural extension to the village rather than a separate estate.Building heights would reflect surrounding development and landscape boundaries would be strengthened through structural planting. Particular care would be taken along the edges of the site to ensure a sensitive transition toward the countryside.
Traffic and Access
Access is proposed via Almond Close. A detailed Transport Assessment is being prepared to evaluate traffic generation, junction performance and highway capacity, as well as pedestrian and cycle safety.We recognise that traffic conditions along Cambridge Road are a concern for residents. The assessment will identify whether mitigation measures or infrastructure improvements are necessary, and any required works would be secured through the planning process.
Infrastructure and Environmental Standards
The development would make financial contributions toward education, health services, community facilities and transport improvements to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth.Homes would be designed to high environmental standards, incorporating energy-efficient construction, low-carbon heating systems, electric vehicle charging provision and sustainable drainage. Tree planting and habitat creation would enhance biodiversity and strengthen landscape character.
Landscape and Openness
A comprehensive landscape strategy would retain and enhance existing vegetation while introducing new planting to visually contain development and protect the wider setting. Careful design and landscaping would ensure that any change to Green Belt land is limited in extent and appropriately mitigated.Listening to the Community
We understand that proposals of this nature raise important questions relating to Green Belt impact, village scale, traffic and infrastructure capacity. This consultation is an opportunity to hear local views and refine the proposals where possible before submission of a planning application.