Planning approval has been given to the first phase of market housing at the North West Cambridge development

The University of Cambridge and housebuilder Hill have won planning consent for the first phase of market housing at the North West Cambridge Development.

Architects Pollard Thomas Edwards and Alison Brooks Architects have designed 240 family homes for private sale. Construction is expected to start in the New Year, with the new homes available to buy in 2017.

The phase is part of an overall masterplan to build 3,000 homes, 2,000 post-graduate student spaces, 100,000 sqm of research space, a local centre and community facilities.

Andy Hill, chief executive of Hill, said: “We are really pleased that the North West Cambridge site is moving forward - this new phase offers great family homes and pioneering design, which is exactly what Cambridge needs as it continues to grow in the years ahead.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz said: “North West Cambridge Development will contribute to the long-term success of the City and the University.

The partnership working with the local authorities and developers, alongside the commendation from the industry professionals, is a positive endorsement that the project will deliver real benefit for the good of our community.”