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Friday 21 Aug 2026

Platform4 partnership secures planning approval for 425 new homes at Cambridge North Residential Quarter

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

• Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council approve proposals to transform brownfield railway land into new high-quality build-to-rent homes, with parks, community spaces and amenities
• Grainger Plc confirmed as housing partner to forward fund, operate and manage the development on completion
• The development supports the government's commitment to building 1.5 million new homes this Parliament

The scheme was recommended for approval by officers. The planning committee report noted that the development ‘delivers a coherent, high-quality residential scheme that will broaden housing choice, contribute to housing delivery in this part of Cambridge, and support the implementation of the approved Cambridge North Masterplan.’

The development is being brought forward by blocwork, a joint venture between Platform4, Network Rail's property development company, and partnership developer bloc ltd. Grainger plc the UK's largest listed residential landlord will forward fund the scheme and manage the development once complete.

Cambridge North Residential Quarter will deliver a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, alongside linear parks, active ground floor retail spaces, pocket gardens, and tree-lined streets. The design also prioritises pedestrian and cycle movement. With strong transport links, including direct rail connections to Cambridge, London and the surrounding region with the new neighbourhood reduces car dependency for future residents.

The approved scheme is the next phase of the Cambridge North Masterplan delivered by Brookgate, which already includes a 217-room hotel and a commercial building home to occupiers including Samsung supported by retail.

Cambridge North Residential Quarter is part of a wider government-backed drive to unlock publicly owned brownfield land for housing. The scheme was one of four developments highlighted as part of Platform4's launch in November.

The scheme directly supports the government's Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million safe and decent homes in England this Parliament, helping to address the housing crisis and make renting more accessible across the country. The approval follow’s this week’s announcement on the government's new National Planning Policy Framework, there will be a default ‘yes’ for homes within reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations.

Andrew Ferguson, Interim CEO of Platform4 and Director of blocwork said: "This is great news and the positive decision allows us to bring under-used railway land into active use. Cambridge North is a great example of supporting the Government’s commitment to building more homes next to stations as we look to create a new community in one of the country's most dynamic cities.”

Richard Thomas, Director for bloc Ltd and blocwork added: "Securing planning approval is a real milestone for the project. It reflects the strength of the design and the case we made for how this scheme fits into the wider Cambridge North Masterplan. We can now work with Grainger to turn these plans into a thriving new community."

Helen Gordon, Chief Executive of Grainger, commented: "This is a hugely positive outcome and one that reinforces the strength of our partnership with Platform4 and blocwork. Cambridge North is exactly the sort of well-connected, high-demand location where our build-to-rent model can make a real difference."

Planning support was provided by Bidwells and the architect for the scheme is Franklin Ellis Architects.

Images courtesy of Franklin Ellis Architects on behalf of bloc and Platform4.