National property consultancy Carter Jonas, acting on behalf of Cambridge Cyrenians has secured planning permission from Cambridge City Council for five modular homes and a support office for people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge.

The council’s Planning Committee unanimously approved the application on 7 October 2026, and the decision notice was issued on 14 October 2026. The permission is for a temporary period of up to five years.

The site is the rear garden land of three semi-detached houses that Cambridge Cyrenians leases and has run as supported housing for 12 residents for more than 15 years. A new 20-year lease includes provision for the modular homes.

The scheme comprises five single-storey modular homes and a sixth unit for support staff, used as an office and for surgeries with the charity’s mental health practitioner. Each home will measure 344 sq ft (32 sq m), including its front patio, and contain a bedroom, shower room and open-plan kitchen and living space. Built with a steel frame and structural insulated panels, the homes offer thermal performance close to Passivhaus standards.

To the rear, the existing gardens will be combined into a 2,605 sq ft (242 sq m) shared garden with a central lawn, patio areas and growing spaces outside each home. Three new trees will be planted, alongside new hedging and native planting. New covered cycle and bin stores will provide space for 18 bicycles. Three parking spaces at the front of the site will serve support workers, deliveries and visitors, as few residents own cars.

The development follows a structured pathway that prepares people for independent living. Residents, referred through Cambridge City Council’s existing allocation panels, will have a home of their own, with support from the charity’s specialist staff as they prepare to move on. A site management plan, secured by planning condition, sets out how the site will be run day to day, and new CCTV will be installed across the site.

Work is expected to start on site in early 2027, with completion anticipated in mid-2027.

Cambridge Cyrenians has provided accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge for more than 55 years. It has 100 supported housing bedspaces and helps more than 200 people each year.

John Mason MRTPI, Associate Partner at Carter Jonas in Cambridge, commented: “High land and building costs in Cambridge can put single-person homes out of reach for housing providers, so making better use of land already in charitable hands is important. The case here rested on showing that five more homes could sit behind existing houses on an established street and be well managed. The committee’s decision shows there is room for small, carefully run schemes like this in the city’s response to homelessness.”

James Martin, Director at Cambridge Cyrenians, commented: “Many of the people we house are ready to leave shared accommodation but have nowhere to go, because social housing is in short supply and private rents are out of reach. These homes give people a front door of their own and the chance to manage a home independently, with our team on hand when they need it. We look forward to welcoming the first residents in 2027.”

‍