Plans approved for 3,500 homes on Bourn Airfield

Plans have been approved for a new village on the former World War Two Airfield at Bourn.

The proposals were considered by South Cambridgeshire District Council in 2021, but fears around infrastructure and water supply caused planning permission to be delayed. 

However, following government talks and the establishment of a Water Scarcity Group, the council was able to give the final green light to the scheme in July 2024.

Developers have said 40% of the new homes will be affordable housing, and around half of the site will be dedicated to open spaces, woodland and footpaths.

South Cambridgeshire District Council leader, Bridget Smith:

"Our focus has quite rightly been on ensuring that we only issued the formal planning decision for Bourn Airfield once there was more clarity on the sustainable future of Greater Cambridge’s water supply.

"The progress made to date and the continuing work with Government means we are now satisfied this development, which is part of our adopted 2018 Local Plan, should be allowed to progress.

"There continues to be a delicate balance to strike between bringing forwards the homes which we know we desperately need whilst protecting our environment.

"We have long said we cannot simply pursue growth at all costs, and the time and care which we have taken to reach this point shows just how seriously we take this responsibility."