The quality of new housing can play a significant role in helping residents out of fuel and water poverty, improving their health and wellbeing, as well as contributing to sustainable development, and addressing the issue of affordability of housing. High-quality development also contributes to place-making, continuing the tradition of high-quality architecture in Cambridge. The Cambridge Sustainable Housing Design Guide looks to promote the delivery of high-quality new development.

This document sets out key design principles for the development of council-owned land and new social housing delivered by/for / the Greater Cambridge Housing Development Agency (HDA) in Cambridge. For some areas, such as energy, water, and space, performance specifications and minimum requirements are included. Reference is also made to Local Plan policy requirements for issues such as car and cycle parking, residential space standards, and accessibility standards, although it should be noted that this document is not formal planning guidance.