Cherry Hinton Innovation District  - Cambridgeshire

Developer: Mission Street

Planning Authority: Cambridge City Council

Cherry Hinton Innovation District is a major proposed science and innovation district in East Cambridge, focused on transforming land around Cherry Hinton into a new urban-style research and development destination.

A key priority of the engagement programme was ensuring that local residents and stakeholders were meaningfully involved from an early stage, alongside managing potential sensitivities associated with the scale of change in the area.

Our role

We delivered a multi-channel consultation strategy including targeted direct mail, stakeholder briefings with councillors and community representatives, and structured engagement with key local groups including residents’ associations and the Cambridge East community forum.

A programme of public consultation events was also held, providing opportunities for residents to review emerging proposals, speak directly with the project team, and provide feedback on design, access, and amenity considerations. Alongside in-person engagement, a dedicated consultation website and supporting communications materials were developed to ensure accessibility and transparency throughout the process. Feedback was formally captured and reported through a Statement of Community Involvement, demonstrating how stakeholder input informed the evolving masterplan. Key areas of influence included the refinement of building layout, enhancement of green and open space provision, improved active travel connections, and strengthened consideration of residential amenity and interface treatment.

Results

The approach ensured a transparent, inclusive consultation process that helped shape a more responsive and locally sensitive development proposal, supporting its progression through the planning process. The application was unanimously approved by Cambridge City Council’s Planning Committee.

Testimonial

“The team at Chess Engage were central in providing advice and expertise in developing and implementing the successful Stakeholder Engagement Strategy for one of our Major Planning Applications in Cambridge.”

Mission Street