Due to lack of publicly available information regarding the Grange Farm proposal, this June SAVE conducted our own survey across the local community to get a consensus on the Grange Farm proposal. Hundreds of residents from surrounding villages have voiced overwhelming opposition to the proposed Grange Farm development.
The week-long survey asked residents whether they supported the proposed development of more than 6,000 homes on land between the A11 and A1307, known as Grange Farm (Policy S/GF). Of the hundreds of responses received from residents in Little Abington, Great Abington, Hildersham, Linton, Babraham and Balsham, 94% opposed the proposal, with just 6% supporting it.
The story was picked up in The Cambridge Independent. Read the article here.
Survey at a Glance
- 94% opposed the Grange Farm proposal
- 6% supported the proposal
- 91% identified traffic and road safety as a primary concern
- 82% identified sustainability and environment
- 81% Stated impact on village character
- 80% Cited water and chalk stream impact as key issues
- And 72% are concerned about overpopulation
- (Multiple responses were allowed.)
Traffic and Road Safety Top Residents' Concerns
Traffic and road safety emerged as the biggest concern, with 91% of respondents identifying the impact on the A1307 corridor as a primary reason for opposing the development.
Residents highlighted existing congestion around the A11 interchange, Fourwentways and Granta Park, alongside concerns that traffic evidence used to support the proposals included surveys undertaken during the COVID-19 period. Many also questioned whether the proposed development could be accommodated without significantly worsening congestion on what is already recognised as one of Cambridgeshire's busiest transport corridors.
Evidence Backed Environmental and Planning Flags
Alongside transport issues, residents expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact of the development.
The proposed site sits above a chalk aquifer that contributes to local water supplies and lies close to the River Granta, one of the UK's internationally rare chalk streams. SAVE believes independent assessment is needed to fully understand the potential effects on groundwater, flood risk and the ecological health of the river.
There were also local concerns raised over the red-flagged Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), published in December 2025, which identified significant constraints relating to transport, biodiversity, landscape impact, flood risk and heritage.
Concerns Over Transparency
SAVE was established following the publication of the draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan in December 2025, when Grange Farm was unexpectedly introduced as a proposed location for a new settlement.
The consultation period took place over Christmas and into January, leaving many residents feeling they had insufficient time to understand the scale and implications of the proposal before submitting formal responses. Additionally, many residents commented that important evidence was unavailable during the consultation period, preventing residents from making fully informed representations.
SAVE shares these concerns. Following the consultation, the group submitted a number of Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulation requests seeking evidence relating to the proposal. Responses received in late May confirmed that much of the requested information will not be published until the Greater Cambridge Local Plan reaches its Regulation 19 stage, expected in July 2026.
It's also of note that no detailed masterplan has yet been published, making it difficult for residents to assess the proposed layout, density, infrastructure and long-term impact of the development.
SAVE further questions why Grange Farm was selected over alternative sites, stating that the assessment methodology and selection criteria have not been made publicly available.
Looking Ahead
The SAVE team continues to support residents by providing information and engaging constructively with the planning process as the Greater Cambridge Local Plan progresses towards its Regulation 19, likely due to happen in August or September.
This is the final opportunity to challenge the proposal before it progresses further. To ensure our community has the strongest possible case, we need to appoint planning experts to provide legal and planning support throughout the consultation process.
Our goal is to raise £30,000 to fund this essential work.
Support the campaign
Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference. Your generosity will help us continue to campaign on behalf of our community and give us the best possible chance of stopping the Grange Farm proposal.