Plans to redevelop a Cambridge council estate, which involve replacing existing blocks with 165 new flats, have sparked a significant ethical debate among residents and former tenants. The demolition of Hanover Court and Princess Court is part of a wider project led by Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), a collaboration between Cambridge City Council and developer the Hill Group. However, questions are being raised about the commitment to providing affordable and council housing within the new development.
Harmony Birch, a former resident of Princess Court, described the situation as “absolutely terrible,” expressing strong concerns about the ethics and morality of the process. She highlighted that the initial understanding was that council housing would be integral to any redevelopment. CIP is currently applying for Homes England funding to build 72 council homes on the site, but there is no guarantee that this funding will be secured, leaving the future of affordable housing provision uncertain.
The contention stems from the “viability” of the development. Freedom of Information Act disclosures reveal communications indicating that an appraisal by CIP initially suggested the project would be “unviable” if the standard policy of 40% affordable housing was applied. This assessment reportedly proposed that only two affordable homes could be included, potentially built elsewhere. However, a subsequent viability review presented to council planners indicated that 25% affordable housing could be provided, creating confusion and fuelling accusations of a lack of transparency.
Harmony Birch, who previously served on the council’s housing advisory board, stated that the board would likely not have approved the development if it had been presented without council housing. She suggested that the situation indicates a prioritisation of money over people, arguing that council housing should not solely be about profit. Jade Gatt, who lived in Hanover Court for 13 years, acknowledged the need for the old flats to be demolished due to poor condition and issues like mould, but she also expressed cynicism, believing the attempt to secure funding for council homes might be a “cover-up” and an effort to “push people with social housing out of Cambridge.”
The broader context underscores the urgent need for affordable housing in Cambridge. A Cambridge City Council cabinet meeting on 7 July 2026 heard that there are 2,224 families currently on the city's housing waiting list. The council has stated it provides support to residents in homes earmarked for redevelopment, including priority for suitable, like-for-like council homes. However, residents like Peter Hulme, who lives near the affected courts, emphasised the importance of having affordable and council homes integrated into every neighbourhood to prevent segregation based on income.