New homes and medical centre approved in Soham

Plans for a major development on the edge of Soham have been approved despite local anger.

The Soham Eastern Gateway scheme has faced backlash from residents with over 280 objections formally lodged and fears shared about the impact it will have on the town.

However, councillors at East Cambridgeshire District Council highlighted the benefits the new development would bring, including a new medical centre to replace the oversubscribed GP surgery.

The plans for the Soham Eastern Gateway development were put forward by This Land Development Ltd, a company set up and owned by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Photo credit: Farrer Huxley/This Land Development Ltd

The new 540 homes are proposed to be built on land west of the A142 between East Fen Common and Qua Fen Common, and East of Brewhouse Lane, and will include 108 affordable homes and 27 self-build plots.

A "mixed-use neighbourhood centre" is also proposed by the developer, including shops, community facilities, a nursery, and a new medical centre to replace the existing Staploe Medical Centre.

The development is due to be built out over seven phases, starting with the new roundabout and main access from the A142.

David Meek, CEO of This Land Development Ltd:

"We are committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality homes which benefit local communities.

"The Soham Eastern Gateway plans are designed to support the revitalised town centre of Soham, one of the largest and fastest growing market towns in the area, and we are delighted that they have been approved.

"We have worked hard to deliver plans that offer a multitude of benefits for residents including new homes, a much-needed new medical centre and community space, while protecting and promoting biodiversity and green spaces that everybody can enjoy."

Officials have said the existing medical centre in Soham was built to cater for around 13,000 patients, but was currently serving around 24,000 people.

Star Radio understands the new centre proposed within the Soham Eastern Gateway development would offer the capacity to serve 32,000 people, with the potential to expand in the future.

Photo credit: Osmond Tricks/Mereside Medical/This Land Development Ltd

At a meeting on Tuesday 13 August 2024, many locals supported improvements to health care services in the town, but also raised concerns about the impact of the housing development, particularly on the Commons.

When a decision on the development was put to a vote, a majority of councillors agreed to approve the plans.

As an outline application more detailed plans for the homes will need to be submitted and approved by the district council before building can start.

The planning committee also unanimously approved the detailed plans for the new medical centre.