BNG Partnership is proud to support the South Cambridgeshire Investment Partnership (SCIP), a joint venture between South Cambridgeshire District Council and housebuilder The Hill Group, in hitting its Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) goals for a major new housing scheme at Cambourne Business Park in Cambridgeshire.
Covering 20 acres, the development, known as Cambium Square, recently secured planning permission for 256 new homes, offering a mix of two- to five-bedroom houses. Cambium Square combines practical rural living with good transport links, offering reliable access by road and public transport to Cambridge, St Neots, Huntingdon, and Royston.
The design of the homes aligns with the surrounding environment, featuring mews and courtyards situated along the southern woodland edge. Residents also have direct access to nearby fields, meadows, and lakeside areas.
To meet the project's ambitious target of a 20% habitat gain, which is double the standard 10% national requirement, Cambium Square needed a substantial allocation of BNG units. Following a competitive tender process, BNG Partnership was selected for its technical expertise and ability to tailor solutions to the project’s specific demands.
To deliver the required boost, BNG Partnership supplied over 80 BNG units from its nearby site in Boxworth, located less than six miles away. Keeping the units so close to the development ensures the restored habitats stay within the same Local Planning Authority and National Character Area, bringing the environmental benefits directly back to the local community.
Recognising the scale and complexity of the project, BNG Partnership and SCIP worked closely to map out a customised payment schedule. The entire agreement wrapped up in just seven months, allowing SCIP to clear planning conditions quickly and keep development moving forward on schedule.
Andrew Day, Sustainability Director at The Hill Group, comments “BNG Partnership’s proactive and collaborative approach has been invaluable. Their flexibility and clear communication helped us meet a complex set of requirements within a tight timeframe.”
Once the new habitats at Boxworth have matured, BNG Partnership plans to open the site to the public so local residents can enjoy the enhanced green spaces firsthand.
Andrew said, “We’re committed to creating homes and places that make a positive contribution to their natural environment. This partnership has enabled us to deliver meaningful local biodiversity gains and create lasting environmental value for future generations.”
This milestone highlights SCIP’s commitment to building sustainable communities that balance quality housing with ecological care, whilst strengthening the ongoing relationship between The Hill Group and BNG Partnership.
