New neighbourhood and medical centre for Soham approved by East Cambridgeshire District Council

Plans submitted by real estate developer This Land, for a new development of 540 homes on the outskirts of Soham, have been approved by East Cambridgeshire District Council. The decision on the Soham Eastern Gateway neighbourhood, comprised of private and affordable homes, was made by the East Cambridgeshire District Council Planning Committee on 13 August. A joint application by This Land and Mereside Medical for a state of the art new medical centre was also approved.

Providing infrastructure for Soham is central to the development plans, which include space for a new neighbourhood centre that will house the new medical centre and a pre-school nursery. Staploe Medical Centre will provide residents with a new GP practice, double the size of the existing provision.

Access to the Medical Centre will be created via the A142, in addition to the existing Brewhouse Lane access, to mitigate congestion in Soham town centre. Furthermore, a new safe pedestrian route across the A142 will be developed to provide access to acres of fenland and public rights of way.

The new neighbourhood will be located on the eastern edge of Soham between the Qua Fen and East Fen Commons and the A142. While the popular existing commons and allotments on the western boundary of the site will remain untouched, there will be around 15 acres of public open spaces including a new corridor between Qua Fen Common and East Fen Common.

Commenting on the decision, This Land CEO, David Meek, said: “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.” 

To learn more about Soham Eastern Gateway, visit: https://this-land.co.uk/soham-eastern-gateway-development/