Taylor Wimpey East Anglia has secured planning approval to build 203 new homes at Burghley Green in West Cambourne, marking the next step in the town’s ongoing transformation. The development, which has been designed to serve families, professionals and first-time buyers alike, will include a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. Thirty per cent of the new properties will be designated as affordable housing, reinforcing the commitment to accessibility and community balance.
The Burghley Green project is part of a carefully planned new settlement just nine miles west of Cambridge. From its beginnings in the late 1990s, Cambourne has steadily grown from a bold housing vision into a thriving community of more than 11,000 people. While the town once struggled with issues of social isolation in its early years, councillors and residents alike now describe it as a place with a vibrant community spirit and strong local ties. Councillor Mark Howell recently reflected that the expression “Cambourne Blues” is not something he hears anymore, with the town now marked more by its resilience and sense of belonging than its growing pains.
Taylor Wimpey’s plans build on that evolution. The wider Burghley Green development already includes play areas, meadows, a primary school, shops and cycleways that link directly into the centre of Cambourne. Residents benefit from proximity to St Neots railway station, less than fifteen minutes away, which provides direct services to London King’s Cross. With construction on the 203 new homes due to begin in 2026 and the first sales expected in summer 2027, the company has promised to bring fresh opportunities to those who want to live close to Cambridge while enjoying green space and community infrastructure on their doorstep.
Andrew Wright, Senior Technical and Planning Manager at Taylor Wimpey East Anglia, said: “We’re pleased to have received planning approval for the latest phase at Burghley Green. Not only will we be building another 203 much-needed homes, we will also be providing community contributions towards the open green space in West Cambourne. We look forward to work commencing shortly and seeing the friendly and welcoming community at West Cambourne continue to grow.”
Homes within the development will be built to modern sustainability standards, with smart heating, insulation and energy efficiency designed to lower bills and reduce carbon footprints. The mix of housing types also ensures options for a broad spectrum of buyers. Reviews from earlier phases of Cambourne reflect the community’s appeal, with residents praising both the homes and the neighbourly atmosphere. One new homeowner said: “I absolutely love my new home. I have been here 6 months now and its super. As usual had a few teething problems but the building is lovely, the site manager very approachable and the sales staff are AMAZING!” Another resident described them as “Good quality homes close to Cambridge with excellent infrastructure planned,” while others emphasised the “real sense of community in the area.”
Cambourne itself is preparing to mark its 26th anniversary in September 2025. Born of a decision in the late 1980s to concentrate new housing in one settlement rather than scatter smaller developments across the district, the town has grown rapidly since the first planning permission was granted in 1996. The name was created by combining Cambridge, the nearby city, and Bourn, the neighbouring village. Today, it is divided into greater, upper and lower Cambourne, but the unifying feature remains the strength of the community.
Local residents point to this as the town’s greatest asset. Kara Chapman, who has lived in Cambourne since 2014, said: “I have a 10-year-old son – and it’s great for children. Obviously there’s loads to do. Lots of our children get together. Lots of community things happen, like on the cricket pavilion, summer fetes – it’s good for the kids.” She added that while there are still gaps in retail provision, the sense of belonging makes Cambourne special.
For Taylor Wimpey, the approval of 203 new homes in West Cambourne represents more than just another phase of construction. It is part of a broader story of growth, renewal and community life on the edge of Cambridge. With its careful balance of affordable housing, sustainability and connectivity, the Burghley Green project promises to strengthen the town further and continue its transformation from a once-experimental new settlement into one of Cambridgeshire’s most successful modern communities.
