Plans to build 15 flats on top of shops in Histon have been approved by South Cambridgeshire District Council.
The decision came after earlier concerns about parking and fears that the new development would be an “eyesore.”
The developer, Camel Projects (Histon Ltd), wants to add the one and two-bedroom flats above a row of single-storey businesses and a library on School Hill. Six of these flats would be offered as affordable housing. They say the project will bring more life to the village, provide much-needed homes for younger people, and include a redesigned car park that should actually ease pressure on nearby streets.
Not everyone is happy, though. More than 50 residents officially objected to the plan, and the council’s own conservation officer warned that the bigger, taller building would damage the look of the local conservation area. At the council meeting, barrister Stephen Tromans KC described the planned flats as “alien” to the village’s character and a “significant” blow to parking, which he believes will hurt local businesses.
Despite these objections, council members felt the need for new housing—especially smaller, more affordable units—was too important to ignore. Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins acknowledged villagers’ concerns but said the benefits of new homes in a central, sustainable location outweighed the harm. Councillor Heather Williams admitted parking is a big worry, but also pointed out that another previously approved project for nine flats would still affect parking if the new plan was not allowed. Councillor Helene Leeming noted that she actually preferred the look of the new 15-flat design over the older nine-flat plan.
In the end, councillors voted unanimously in favour, concluding that the demand for housing and improved design tipped the balance in the developer’s favour.
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