Pembroke College’s proposals for a new housing development have triggered a backlash from local residents and organisations, citing concerns over potential environmental impacts.

Originally rejected by the local planning department in 2006/7, the College’s 2022/3 planning application aims to accommodate single-child student families and erect three houses in the historically significant conservation area of Newtown in Cambridge.

A petition started by North Newtown Residents’ Association, which has reached over 250 signatures, is calling for city councillors and the city planning department to respect conservation area policies and reject Pembroke’s proposals.

The residents’ association chair Jasper Green told Varsity: “Features of the conservation area, protected in law, are often at risk of poor development proposals” and described Pembroke’s plans as “an attempt to replace gardens for housing”.

The association chair also argued the development goes against the college’s environmental policy statement that its building projects will seek “to conserve and enhance natural resources”.

The petition criticises the planned removal of green spaces, including the potential loss of a 100 year old Yew tree, and expresses concern over possible side-effects for air pollution and biodiversity.

Other concerns from residents include impacts on the distinctive 19th-century character of the area, reduced street space, and increased noise pollution.

Pembroke has amended their proposals, but some residents have claimed the changes, which include a reduction of roof line by 20mm, don’t respond to key concerns raised.

A spokesperson for Pembroke College told Varsity that they agreed with the Council Conservation Officer’s conclusion that the proposal “will preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area”, and that the College “only wishes to enhance” Newtown.