Residents’ fears over Cambridge college’s housing plan
<img src="https://jiuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/cd8d0b70-dc3b-11f1-95cf-a38331e6cb4b.jpg.webp" alt="Hughes Hall and Feilden Fowles Architects An artist's impression of student accommodation which is a two-storey building which has grass and trees in front of it. The building is made from brown bricks and has several large windows.”>
Hughes Hall and Feilden Fowles Architects
People living near a university college have spoken of their concerns about a proposed development of student accommodation
The University of Cambridge’s Hughes Hall submitted plans earlier this year to build on land next to the city’s famous Fenner’s Cricket Ground
The land was bought in 2024 with plans to build accommodation that the college said was needed to house more students on campus, but residents have claimed the development is “excessive” and say they fear for the future of cricket at the site
Sir Laurie Bristow, president of Hughes Hall, said the project followed “a great deal of careful design work and engagement with our neighbours, students and the wider Cambridge community”
LDRS
Eileen O’Brien, landlady of the Six Bells on Covent Garden, said she was “dreading” the college getting permission for the Wileman Court building because it would overlook the back garden of her nearby home
“Hughes Hall says it has consulted with residents, but the college does not appear to have heard our opinions,” she added
Elizabeth McCord, 73, said: “I’ve lived here for over 40 years – I bought the house in 1984 when it was derelict – and I’m facing the prospect of the peace and quiet I bought it for being taken away
“I have had sleepless nights – it just gets in my head what’s going to happen – I’m extremely worried.”
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the college said it had reduced the height and length of Wileman Court and moved it further away from neighbouring properties on Covent Garden
The college added that the majority of new development had been moved to “previously developed areas” such as the existing car park and within the proposed porters’ lodge, providing 82 of the 116 proposed student bedrooms
Sir Laurie added: “We are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to engage with us and provide feedback
“That feedback has helped us refine the proposals, and we believe the plans provide a sensitive and sustainable way of investing in Hughes Hall for future generations, while delivering wider benefits for our neighbours and the city.”
Hughes Hall said that the development would not affect cricket, as the pitch will not be built on, but opponents have said the loss of the car park would harm its ability to host large matches
Do you have a story suggestion for Cambridgeshire? Contact us below
Follow Cambridgeshire news onBBC Sounds,,andX
More stories from Cambridgeshire
Related internet links
Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Need help choosing the right university or study destination?
Start your FREE JIUniversity Admission Assessment today and discover the best international study pathway for your academic goals.
Source: www.bbc.com
