Cambridge City Council, in partnership with The Hill Group through the Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), is seeking planning permission to redevelop the former council estate on Ekin Road in Abbey, Cambridge. The project aims to replace 108 outdated post-war homes with 134 high-quality new residences. These will include much-needed five-bedroom council homes and four properties specifically designed for wheelchair users.
The proposal, scheduled for review by the Planning Committee on 7 October, outlines plans for 78 new council homes and 56 homes for private sale. The 78 council homes are intended to house a similar number of residents as the current 91 council homes, with a focus on larger properties to address a shortage of family-sized council accommodation. The existing Ekin Road estate, built in the 1950s and 1960s, suffers from significant maintenance and structural issues, making redevelopment the most viable option.
This initiative is part of the council's broader commitment to improving living standards and increasing the supply of council housing. In August 2026, the council secured £96.4 million in government funding for its house-building programme and was selected for a Strategic Partnership with Homes England to accelerate delivery. This funding will enable CIP to build an additional 1,400 new council homes by 2036, with 60% designated at the lowest council rent tier (40-45% of market rents).
An independent 'viability assessment' within the Ekin Road planning application confirms the financial feasibility of delivering the proposed council homes. If approved, the council can access further funding from Homes England. Cllr Gerri Bird, Cambridge City Council Cabinet Member for Housing and CIP Board Member, stated that the commitment to building 78 new council homes remains firm, contingent on the Planning Committee's approval and the viability assessment, which will unlock the ring-fenced funding. She highlighted the partnership's success in delivering nearly 900 new council homes across 24 sites since 2018.
The new homes will adhere to the council’s Cam Standard, focusing on low operational energy usage, thermal comfort, and climate resilience. Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group, emphasised the close collaboration driving the project, which will replace existing properties with a modern, energy-efficient neighbourhood. Sustainability is a key feature, with dual-aspect homes, a landscaping strategy for sustainable surface water management, and biodiversity enhancements including bird and bat boxes and new trees. New play areas and secure cycle storage are also included.
