Question 6. Do you agree with the potential big themes for the Local Plan?
Southern & Regional Developments (Joscelyn) contend that the emerging Local Plan should identify the strategic issues that will influence the plan area over the new Plan period and beyond. It is considered that although the themes that have been identified attempt to overcome significant issues that will have wide impacts, such as Climate Change; the approach to this is not considered to be coherent. It is understood that issues relating to Biodiversity and Climate Change are important, however the Plan's regard to these factors is inappropriate. Considerations relating to ecology, the natural environment and Climate Change are interlinked through the strategic theme of environmental sustainability and so should inform the strategic approach comprehensively. Presently, the approach of the Plan inappropriately provides emphasis towards environmental sustainability, which results in a reducing the value of social and economic sustainability and the associated contribution to realsigin environmental benefit. A more positive approach would be for these factors to be attributed equal significance so that the objectives of the Plan can be satified by delivering changes positively through economic growth and addressing social inequalities . The current arrangement of big themes is contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework, which asserts that all aspects of sustainable of development must demonstrate economic, social and environmental as equal components in achieving sustainable development. This is in the effort to ensure development that will not compromise the ability of future generations from meeting their own needs. Southern & Regional Developments (Joscelyn) consider that for the emerging Local Plan to provide an ambitious and positive approach to addressing climate change and environmental issues, economic and social factors must be recognised as informing development solutions. The delivery of enivronmental objectives should not be to the detriment of the other elements of sustainable development. Greater Cambridge is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth and so it is vital that the new Plan identifies an appropriate and deliverable strategy to meet the demands of this growth. This includes sufficient land and sites to meet the specific needs of Cambridge city, as well as the rural requirements of the larger area of South Cambridgeshire. Presently, there is insufficient emphasis on these other aspects of development. Summary of Comments: The big themes do not provide the correct balance between the elements of sustainable development, with inappropriate emphasis on climate change.
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Strongly Agree We applaud the Greater Cambridge Authorities’ emphasis on both climate change and biodiversity as they are interlinked crises that the emerging plan needs to tackle head on.
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It is suggested that the relationship between the big themes and the overarching theme of sustainable development is further explained in the emerging GCLP. Paragraph 8 of the NPPF identifies the three overarching objectives of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental) and notes that these objectives are interdependent and suggests that they need to pursue in mutually supportive ways. The NPPF is clearly framed such that sustainable development is the overarching theme of the planning system to which all other themes relate. It is requested that sustainable development is identified as the overarching theme, to be consistent with the approach in Paragraph 8 of the NPPF and in order to avoid one of the identified big themes being give greater importance than another. It is noted that the economic objective of sustainable development (paragraph 8 of the NPPF) specifically identifies the need to build a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right types is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth, innovation and improved productivity.
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5.1 Agree - The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, which may require a different way to make decisions to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts. 5.2 The development proposal at Bedlam Farm would contribute to the four big themes as follows: ● Climate Change – new employment buildings will be designed and constructed in a manner to be energy efficient and as appropriate incorporate renewable technologies. The site is also in a sustainable location, providing alternatives to private car use; ● Biodiversity and Green Space – the site currently has low levels of biodiversity, the development will bring with it new landscaping that will provide a clear biodiversity net gain to the site; ● Wellbeing and Social Inclusion – local employment opportunities close to existing settlements will help create ‘sustainable development’. Employment close to existing communities will help promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through reduced travel time (better work/life balance) and the opportunity to use active modes of travel; and ● Great Places – a landscape-led approach is central to the design and layout of the scheme, as shown in the Illustrative Masterplan which shows how the site could come forward with improvements to landscaping and biodiversity.
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5.1 Agree - The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, which may require a different way to make decisions. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts. 5.2 The development proposals would contribute to the four big themes as follows: ● Climate Change – new dwellings will be designed and constructed in a manner to be energy efficient and incorporate renewable technologies. The site is also in a sustainable location, providing alternatives to private car use for residents to meet their daily needs; ● Biodiversity and Green Space – through the retention and enhancement of trees and hedges on the site providing an ecological and recreational asset to be enjoyed by future residents; ● Wellbeing and Social Inclusion – the proposal includes a mix of family homes which will help meet the needs of the District and local community. The proposal would also promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through the provision high quality homes set within an existing residential area with excellent accessibility to employment, education, shops and public transport by active modes of travel; and ● Great Places – a landscape-led approach is central to the design and layout of the scheme, as shown in the Illustrative Masterplan which shows how the site could come forward.
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4.2 The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen in order to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts.
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Agree - The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen in order to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts.
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5.1 Agree - The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen in order to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts.
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Q6: Do you agree with the potential big themes for the Local Plan? As outlined within the Local Plan Issues and Options document, the future Local Plan must aim to ensure sustainable development. In order to achieve this, competing priorities and issues need to be balanced. Greater Cambridge Planning has grouped these into the following themes: - Climate Change - Biodiversity and Green Spaces - Wellbeing and Social Inclusion - Great Places We agree with these ‘big themes’ that have been proposed for the Local Plan, in particular ‘Climate Change’ and how the plan should contribute to achieving net zero carbon. Chapter 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) focusses on ‘Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change’. “The planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.” Paragraph 148 – NPPF, 2019 In line with the objectives and provisions of the Climate Change Act 2008, Paragraph 149 of the NPPF states that plans should take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change. Policies should support appropriate measures to ensure the resilience of communities and infrastructure impacts to climate change. Impacts such as intense and frequent extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves and droughts are likely to have an impact for Cambridge in particular. On the 21st February 2019, Cambridge City Council declared a ‘climate emergency’ and called on the Government, industry and regulators to implement the necessary changes to enable Cambridge and the rest of the UK to reach net zero carbon by 2030. Furthermore, we believe that our client’s sites can help address the four big themes and it is considered that the three sites previously promoted through the Call for Sites exercise reflect the themes and aims of the emerging Local Plan. Summary of Comments: We support the key themes.
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Trinity College Cambridge strongly agrees with the potential big themes for the Local Plan. The environmental and social sustainability focus of the proposed big themes is commended. In addition, the Local Plan should recognise, develop and enhance the successful knowledge-based economy based within and surrounding Greater Cambridge. It is crucial that the plan tackles strategic scale thinking to enable plan led economic growth. Paragraph 80 of the NPPF endorses this approach in its assertion that: ‘ Planning policies and decisions should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt. Signi ficant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development. The approach taken should allow each area to build on its strengths, counter any weaknesses and address the challenges of the future. This is particularly important where Britain can be a global leader in driving innovation [ NPPF footnote 40 ] 5 , and in areas with high levels of productivity, which should be able to capitalise on their performance and potential.’ 5 Footnote 40 in the NPPF (February 2019) - The Government’s Industrial Strategy sets out a vision to drive productivity improvements across the UK, identifies a number of Grand Challenges facing all nations, and sets out a delivery programme to make the UK a leader in four of these: artificial intelligence and big data; clean growth; future mobility; and catering for an ageing society. HM Government (2017) Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain fit for the future.
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Agree - The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen in order to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts.
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2.12 The proposed ‘big themes’ are of significance, but the essential priority should be the delivery of sufficient development across the District.
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4.1 Agree. 4.2 The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen in order to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts.
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2.1 We would agree with the proposed big themes for the Local Plan and as our response below sets out, these are all interlinked to a certain extent in the provision of new homes, infrastructure and jobs. Therefore, in response to question 7 we would not look to prioritise these themes in any way. We have continued to evolve our proposals for Comberton from those submitted at the call for sites stage, which includes ensuring that they are consistent with the four big themes as set out further below, consistent with the Vision Document submitted with these representations. Climate Change 2.2 The consultation document defines climate change as “how the plan can contribute to achieving net zero carbon, and the mitigation and adaption measures that should be required through developments.” 2.3 Comberton comprises a sustainable location in good proximity to Cambridge with a regular bus service with increased frequency in peak times and real-time travel information, together with easy access to the proposed Comberton Greenway off-road footway and cycleway. It therefore represents an excellent opportunity for a modal shift away from the use of the private car and encouraging commuting by cycle and bus. In addition, Comberton is also highly sustainable in terms of its local services and facilities, including the Sixth Form college that are all within easy walking and cycling distance from the site. 2.4 The move away from the use of the private car will be further encouraged by the high permeability built into the masterplan connecting into the existing footpath network and allowing easy access to local facilities, bus stops and the Comberton-Cambridge Greenway. This will be further supported by enhancements to Long Road and Branch Road with footway and cycleway provision. 2.5 The proposed retirement village will also bring its own facilities in the form of flexible social and meeting space, health spa and gym which will be made available to existing local residents who will be able to walk and cycle to these facilities given the site’s high permeability removing the need to travel longer distances to such facilities by private car. 2.6 The provision of the retirement village will have a centralised heat network and it is anticipated that both the later living and residential development will be constructed in a high energy performing manner. Biodiversity & Green Spaces 2.7 The consultation document defines this as ”how the plan can contribute to our ‘doubling nature’ vision, the improvement of existing and creation of new green spaces.” The Comberton site is currently in arable production with limited habitat and vegetation restricted to the field margins at the edge of the site. 2.8 The concept masterplans demonstrate how the proposals will demonstrate a net biodiversity gain with the inclusion of blue/green corridors around and through the proposals and new formal and informal public green space. This will include enhanced boundary planting with the potential for a community woodland and other community benefits can include an extension to the existing allotments and also an enhancement to the current playing field facilities. The retirement village will also be established in a high-quality soft landscape providing further green space within the development. 2.9 A fundamental component of the green space and biodiversity provision is that this will be multi-functional with boundary landscaping enhancing biodiversity, tree cover and with the ability to delivery green trails, informal play and community woodland. Similarly sustainable drainage can also provide biodiversity benefits together with enhancement to the ditch along the western boundary. Wellbeing and Social Inclusion 2.10 The consultation document defines wellbeing and social inclusion as ”how the plan can help spread the benefits of growth creating healthy and inclusive communities.” 2.11 It is considered that well-being and social inclusion are at the core of the proposals for Comberton. 2.12 The southern part of the site includes the provision of a later-living retirement village. This location has been specifically chosen to ensure that residents can easily access existing services and facilities within the village, as well as ensuring existing residents can easily access facilities within the retirement village. 2.13 A number of services and facilities within the retirement village core will be available for all existing and future residents within Comberton to access and enjoy. Such provision could include the clubhouse which will provide flexible space for a variety of uses and spa facilities, as well as a gym. 2.14 It is considered that by providing these facilities it will allow for the existing and new communities to integrate and allow for social inclusion and the wellbeing of all residents. 2.15 The residential proposals will include affordable housing to meet the identified demand within Greater Cambridge with the potential to include, for example, ‘First Homes’ which is currently being consulted on by the Government until 3rd April but seeks to get more people onto the housing ladder. Self-build homes are also being considered as part of the housing mix. 2.16 The proposal shown on the Concept Plan demonstrates a high degree of permeability linking into the existing footpath and cycleway network, again encouraging integration but also promoting opportunities to walk and cycle, including enhancements to Branch Road and Long Road. In particular the site can benefit from the proposed Comberton Greenway which will provide safe off-road cycling opportunities to commute into Cambridge. Indeed, with the infrastructure investment into the Greenway, we would suggest this should assist the delivery of sustainable growth in Comberton with the site uniquely positioned to take advantage of such development and commute by alternatives to the private car. Great Places 2.17 This is defined as ”how the plan can protect what is already great about the area, and design new developments to create special places and spaces.” 2.18 The responses above and the Concept Masterplan and Vision Document set out the ability to provide a high quality development that with the inclusion of later living provision, will meet demand across generations, contributing to wellbeing and social inclusion. The Vision Document in particular provides some examples of high-quality care village developments both in terms of the building design, layout and soft landscaping undertaken by providers who we are in conversation with to bring forward the provision on this site. 2.19 The site has development on 2 sides and will not encroach into the wider countryside but will complement the form of Comberton augmented by the multi-functional landscaping. In addition, the permeability of the site and ability for existing residents to access facilities within the retirement village will assimilate the proposals into Comberton and also see the proposals benefit from the committed Comberton Greenway.
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3.9 As outlined within the Local Plan Issues and Options document, the future Local Plan must aim to ensure sustainable development. In order to achieve this, competing priorities and issues need to be balanced. Greater Cambridge Planning has grouped these into the following themes: - Climate Change; - Biodiversity and Green Spaces; - Wellbeing and Social Inclusion; and - Great Places. 3.10 It is considered that my clients’ site can help address the four big themes, creating a well designed development, in a sustainable location, in one of the largest villages in South Cambridgeshire, with capacity for development. 3.11 It is considered that the vision for land adjacent to Balsham Road, Linton is in full accordance with all four objectives of the Local Plan. Countryside Properties have a proven track record of the delivery of high quality developments, with particular emphasis on the creation of landscape corridors and open spaces as integral part of developments. 3.12 As shown on the Opportunities and Constraints Plan, prepared by Barton Wilmore and also submitted as part of the Call for Sites exercise last year (refer to Appendix 1), it is proposed for the development parcels within the scheme to be separated by strong landscape corridors, which will provide space for substantial planting, but also provide for wildlife corridors. In addition, substantial tree planting and a biodiversity net gain area is proposed to the east boundary of the site. The proposed employment hub for small startup businesses also has substantial potential to promote wellbeing and social inclusion and could include facilities such as a day nursery and a café as a central focus to the development. Countryside Properties are fully committed to tackling climate change and seeking to design new homes to minimise the carbon footprint of the development. All these matters will be developed further at planning application stage, but are fully consistent with the four big themes of the Local Plan.
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5.1 Agree - The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in Greater Cambridge, and for the determination of planning applications. 5.2 The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts. The need for homes and jobs remains as does the need to ensure development is viable and can come forward.
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5. As outlined within the Local Plan Issues and Options document, the future Local Plan must aim to ensure sustainable development. In order to achieve this, competing priorities and issues need to be balanced. Greater Cambridge Planning has grouped these into the following themes: - Climate Change - Biodiversity and Green Spaces - Wellbeing and Social Inclusion - Great Places 6. We agree with these ‘big themes’ that have been proposed for the Local Plan, in particular ‘Climate Change’ and how the plan should contribute to achieving net zero carbon. Chapter 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) focusses on ‘Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change’. “The planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.” Paragraph 148 – NPPF, 2019 7. On the 21st February 2019, Cambridge City Council declared a ‘climate emergency’ and call on the Government, industry and regulators to implement the necessary changes to enable Cambridge and the rest of the UK to reach net zero carbon by 2030. 8. Furthermore, we believe that my client’s sites can help address these themes and it is considered that the two sites previously promoted through the Call for Sites exercise reflect the themes and aims of the emerging Local Plan. 9. Summary: the four big themes are supported as a means by which to plan for housing, jobs, and infrastructure.
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Southern & Regional Developments (Cottenham) contend that the emerging Local Plan should identify the strategic issues that will influence the plan area over the new Plan period and beyond. It is considered that although the themes that have been identified attempt to overcome significant issues that will have wide impacts, such as Climate Change; the approach to this is not considered to be coherent. It is understood that issues relating to Biodiversity and Climate Change are important, however the Plan's regard to these factors is inappropriate. Considerations relating to ecology, the natural environment and Climate Change are interlinked through the strategic theme of environmental sustainability and so should inform the strategic approach comprehensively. Presently, the approach of the Plan inappropriately provides emphasis towards environmental sustainability, which results in a reducing the value of social and economic sustainability and the associated contribution to realsigin environmental benefit. A more positive approach would be for these factors to be attributed equal significance so that the objectives of the Plan can be satisfied by delivering changes positively through economic growth and addressing social inequalities . The current arrangement of big themes is contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework, which asserts that all aspects of sustainable of development must demonstrate economic, social and environmental as equal components in achieving sustainable development. This is in the effort to ensure development that will not compromise the ability of future generations from meeting their own needs. Southern & Regional Developments (Cottenham) consider that for the emerging Local Plan to provide an ambitious and positive approach to addressing climate change and environmental issues, economic and social factors must be recognised as informing development solutions. The delivery of enivronmental objectives should not be to the detriment of the other elements of sustainable development. Greater Cambridge is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth and so it is vital that the new Plan identifies an appropriate and deliverable strategy to meet the demands of this growth. This includes sufficient land and sites to meet the specific needs of Cambridge city, as well as the rural requirements of the larger area of South Cambridgeshire. Presently, there is insufficient emphasis on these other aspects of development. The big themes do not provide the correct balance between the elements of sustainable development, with inappropriate emphasis on climate change.
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I work in the Connecting Cambridgeshire team at Cambridgeshire County Council. I understand that specific policies have not been included at this stage however I wanted to take the opportunity to request that a policy relating to Digital Infrastructure is included within the Local Plan – I believe this relates to Q5 (it will support working together across boundaries) and Q6 (It will support at least 3 of the big themes – Climate Change, Wellbeing & Social inclusion and Great Places).Please find my comments in relation to this in black text below: “The National Planning Policy Framework describes the importance of ‘Supporting high quality communications’ within a Local Plan including its role being ‘essential for economic growth and social well-being’. The availability of highly quality communications facilitates modern businesses operations from payments to supply chain management to research projects as well providing access to residents for online services, education and an ability to stay in contact with family & friends. The importance of high quality gigabit capable digital connectivity has been highlighted by the Government setting a target of having full fibre coverage across the UK by 2033 as well as recently announcing their investment alongside Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in a Shared Rural Network (SRN) to significantly reduce rural ‘not-spots’ where mobile coverage is unavailable across the UK. Going forward it is essential that Digital Infrastructure is included in the detailed design of new developments to ensure the benefits of high quality gigabit capable digital connectivity are realised for all residents and businesses. This needs to be included in the planning policy as: • Any new development of any size by default will not have Full Fibre connectivity without engagement with suppliers and having the right infrastructure installed. • A new development site may have poor mobile coverage and/or impact on the capacity of a MNO’s existing network without a requirement to review the current situation and facilitating improvements if required. • The availability of Full Fibre technology is considered to be a pre-requisite of future 5G rollout and other future facing technologies. Ensuring Digital Infrastructure is included in the Local Plan and therefore development design provides multiple benefits to developers, service providers, local councils, highway authorities, businesses and residents: • It ensures the design and equipment locations for communication infrastructure are integrated in to the full design of the development. • There is a significantly lower cost to install ducts, chambers, power cables and cabinets at a time when footways/carriageways are being constructed and other utilities installed. • Disruption to residents and commuters is minimised by ensuring a majority of the construction work takes place at the same time and primarily before occupation. • The quality of finish for new surfaces, in particular footways and carriageways is maintained by avoiding the need to retrofit underground apparatus. • The availability of high quality communications is becoming an increasingly important factor for potential residents and businesses in their location decisions. Failure to include Digital Infrastructure as part of the development design and site construction is likely to lead to significant delays in the provision of high quality gigabit capable communications to the development. This is due to the higher costs and inherent additional difficulties in retrofitting infrastructure where suppliers are likely to be prioritise other locations where there will be a quicker return on investment.” The Connecting Cambridgeshire team would be happy to help develop this policy to fit Greater Cambridge’s growth ambitions and I have attached an early draft example of what this might look like going forward subject to further input from yourselves and other stakeholders to ensure it is appropriate for use.
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4. As outlined within the Local Plan Issues and Options document, the future Local Plan must aim to ensure sustainable development. In order to achieve this, competing priorities and issues need to be balanced. Greater Cambridge Planning has grouped these into the following themes: - Climate Change; - Biodiversity and Green Spaces; - Wellbeing and Social Inclusion; and - Great Places. 5. Our client agrees with these ‘big themes’ that have been proposed for the Local Plan, in particular ‘Climate Change’ and how the plan should contribute to achieving net zero carbon. Chapter 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) focuses on “Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change”. “The planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.” Paragraph 148 – NPPF, 2019 6. On the 21st February 2019, Cambridge City Council declared a ‘climate emergency’ and called on the Government, industry and regulators to implement the necessary changes to enable Cambridge and the rest of the UK to reach net zero carbon by 2030. 7. South Cambridgeshire District Council has also declared a Climate Emergency and its newly published Business Plan (2019-2024) pledges to help cut emission from transport which accounts for around 50% of the District’s emissions. One of the measures the Council will use to deliver this goal is “to make sure homes and jobs are close together or can be accessed by good walking, cycling and public transport links”. 8. Our client, Roger Hart Farms Ltd feels passionately about the need to address Climate Change. It is agreed that this is one of the most important factors to our future and as such should be a key consideration in the preparation of the new Local Plan. To that end they have already utilised permitted development legislation to re-use their redundant agricultural buildings capable of conversion, which is consistent with reusing existing resources in the NPPF as set out above. 9. Consistent with the objectives set out in SCDC’s Business Plan our client’s sites are within walking and cycling distance from village amenities, including the railway station. 10. The development of our client’s sites which are currently in private use would enhance social inclusion and contribute towards wellbeing by providing Meldreth with additional affordable and private housing at an appropriate scale of development having regard to the villages’ own housing needs survey and its location on a north-south railway line. 11. As part of the Call for Sites submission, it is proposed that Land to the North of Kneesworth Road, Meldreth could accommodate not only up to 20 dwellings but also be used for the re-provision of the currently private allotments from Fenny Lane Farm. This site is also promoted as a potential key worker/affordable led allocation which could assist with Social Inclusion in an area where housing costs are prohibitively high. In order for this site to be brought forward, it would need to do so alongside our client’s nearby land at the other three sites in the submission. 12. As well as offering the means to address issues relating to the threat of Climate Change, we believe that our client’s sites can help address the themes of Green Spaces, Wellbeing and Social Inclusion and Great Places. The re-provision of the existing allotments as public allotments and their expansion to meet the level of demand within the village is supported by the current allotment holders. This would ensure the future of an amenity which promotes wellbeing and social inclusion as well as the means to grow food sustainably within the village. 13. It is considered that the four sites previously promoted through the Call for Sites exercise reflect the themes and aims of the emerging Local Plan.
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5.1 Yes – we agree they are suitable and form crucial considerations for determining the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for assessing planning applications. These themes may broaden the planning process enhancing decision making to satisfy these four key priorities. The Local Plan policy framework allows constructive dialogue and co-operation to flourish so clear planning balances can emerge and appropriate developments are promoted and prioritised. 5.2 Land to the north of Main Street, Shudy Camps, would address the four big themes as follows: ● Climate Change – new dwellings will be designed and constructed to be energy efficient and incorporate renewable technologies. The site is also in a sustainable location, providing alternatives to private car use for residents to meet their daily needs; ● Biodiversity and Green Space – through the provision of on-site green infrastructure, in particular the informal open space and children’s play space, which would be a recreational asset to be enjoyed by future and existing residents; ● Wellbeing and Social Inclusion – the proposals would incorporate a mix of housing sizes, types and tenures, to help meet the needs of the village and District. The proposals would also promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through the provision of on-site recreation; ● Great Places – a landscape-led approach is central to the design and layout of the scheme, as shown in the Concept Masterplan.
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8. As outlined within the Local Plan Issues and Options document, the future Local Plan must aim to ensure sustainable development. In order to achieve this, competing priorities and issues need to be balanced. Greater Cambridge Planning has grouped these into the following themes: - Climate Change; - Biodiversity & Green Spaces; - Wellbeing & Social Inclusion; and - Great Places. 9. My client supports the inclusion of these ‘big themes’ that have been proposed for the Local Plan, in particular ‘Climate Change’ and how the plan should contribute to achieving net zero carbon. Chapter 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) focusses on ‘Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change’. “The planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.” Paragraph 148 – NPPF, 2019 10. In line with the objectives and provisions of the Climate Change Act 2008, Paragraph 149 of the NPPF focusses that plans should take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change. Policies should support appropriate measures to ensure the resilience of communities and infrastructure to climate change impacts. Impacts such are intense and frequent extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves and droughts are likely to become more frequent. It is acknowledged that the Local Plan is asking about meeting net zero carbon by 2050. 11. My client’s site, land to the rear of Fisher’s Lane, Orwell would reflect the themes and aims of the new Local Plan as well as National Policy and suggestions from the Planning Inspector as part of the currently adopted policies examination in 2018. 12. Summary: the four big themes are supported as a means by which to plan for housing, jobs, and infrastructure.
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5.1 Agree - The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen in order to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts. 5.2 Land to the west of Mill Street, Gamlingay would address the four big themes as follows: ● Climate Change – Trinity College, as the landowner, recognise the climate emergency and wish to deliver a development that embraces the new agenda to work towards net zero carbon. The proposed new dwellings will be designed to a high quality and incorporate low carbon technologies and energy efficiency measures. The site is also in a sustainable location with access to services and facilities and public transport services thereby reducing residents’ reliance on private cars for travel; ● Biodiversity and Green Space – through the provision of a substantial amount of on-site green infrastructure, including land adjacent to the site. The proposals would provide approximately 1.2ha of on-site open space, and a further 1.33ha off-site, creating a recreational and ecological asset to be enjoyed by future and existing residents; ● Wellbeing and Social Inclusion – the proposals would incorporate a mix of housing sizes, types and tenures, to help meet the needs of the District and local community. The proposals would also promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through the provision of on-site recreation and the site’s accessibility to employment, education, shops and public transport by active modes of travel; and ● Great Places – an indicative masterplan is submitted with these representations showing that a well-designed residential development of up to 90 dwellings with associated infrastructure and landscaping can be accommodated on site, providing ample open space on site and opportunities for increased recreation for the existing Gamlingay community.
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Southern & Regional Developments (Willingham) seek for the emerging Local Plan to identify the strategic issues which will affect the plan area for the new Plan period and beyond. It is considered that although the themes that have been identified attempt to overcome significant issues that will have wide impacts, such as Climate Change; the approach to this is not considered to be coherent. It is understood that issues relating to Biodiversity and Climate Change are important, however the Plan's regard to these factors is inappropriate. Considerations relating to ecology, the natural environment and Climate Change are interlinked through the strategic theme of environmental sustainability and so should inform the strategic approach comprehensively. Presently, the approach of the Plan inappropriately provides emphasis towards environmental sustainability, which results in a reducing the value of social and economic sustainability and the associated contribution to realsigin environmental benefit. A more positive approach would be for these factors to be attributed equal significance so that the objectives of the Plan can be satified by delivering changes positively through economic growth and addressing social inequalities . The current arrangement of big themes is contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework, which asserts that all aspects of sustainable of development must demonstrate economic, social and environmental as equal components in achieving sustainable development. This is in the effort to ensure development that will not compromise the ability of future generations from meeting their own needs. It is considered that for the emerging Local Plan to provide an ambitious and positive approach to addressing climate change and environmental issues, economic and social factors must be recognised as informing development solutions. The delivery of enivronmental objectives should not be to the detriment of the other elements of sustainable development. Greater Cambridge is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth and so it is vital that the new Plan identifies an appropriate and deliverable strategy to meet the demands of this growth. This includes sufficient land and sites to meet the specific needs of Cambridge city, as well as the rural requirements of the larger area of South Cambridgeshire. Presently, there is insufficient emphasis on these other aspects of development. Summary of Comments: The big themes do not provide the correct balance between the elements of sustainable development, with inappropriate emphasis on climate change.
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Agree - The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts. The need for homes and jobs remains as does the need to ensure development is viable and can come forward. As outlined in Question 2, the proposal for a new Community at Six Mile Bottom is of a scale that will allow the councils to achieve the four themes and contribute to the creation of new homes and jobs in a highly sustainable location. Our proposal would contribute to the four big themes as follows: ● Climate Change – internalisation of jobs, homes and key facilities reducing the need for motorised travel, rail improvements including a potential new stop on east-west rail line, potential extension of the CAM Metro connection, energy hub providing clean energy, new dwellings, employment buildings and community facilities will be designed and constructed in a manner to be energy efficient and incorporate renewable technologies. ● Biodiversity and Green Space – significant new provision of on-site green infrastructure and retaining including new multifunctional 3km long linear park with play parks, sports pitches, picnic areas, allotments, running and cycle routes. Expansive semi-natural area reserved for wildlife with managed access so that ecology can thrive. ● Wellbeing and Social Inclusion – the proposals would incorporate a mix of housing sizes, types and tenures, to help meet the needs of the District and local community. The proposals would also promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through the provision of on-site recreation and the Site’s accessibility to education, shops and public transport by active modes of travel, community stewardship model creating community empowerment; and, ● Great Places – a landscape-led approach that sensitively respond to the context of the Site, the new community would be set within and amongst an expansive network of multifunctional and characterful green infrastructure proposals will encourage active and healthy lives and an inclusive sense of community.
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2.15 The Greater Cambridge Issues and Options consultation has prioritised four themes in order to best steer and deliver sustainable growth across Greater Cambridgeshire throughout the plan period. The key themes are: Climate Change Biodiversity & Green Spaces; Wellbeing & Social Inclusion; and Great Places. 2.16 The inclusion of ‘Climate Change’ as a key theme is supported, especially against the backdrop of increasing importance and weight attached to addressing climate change through the planning system, as supported by paragraph 148 of NPPF: “The planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to: shape places in ways that contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.” 2.17 Paragraph 149 of the NPPF advises that plans should take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change. Policies should support appropriate measures to ensure the resilience of communities and infrastructure to climate change impacts. Impacts such are intense and frequent extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves and droughts are likely to become more frequent. 2.18 The inclusion of Climate Change as a theme at the Issues and Options stage is supported, where it should be carried forward as a key theme and policy principle through the emerging Local Plan process for Greater Cambridgeshire.
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Southern & Regional Developments (Waterbeach) contend that the emerging Local Plan should identify the strategic issues that will influence the plan area over the new Plan period and beyond. It is considered that although the themes that have been identified attempt to overcome significant issues that will have wide impacts, such as Climate Change; the approach to this is not considered to be coherent. It is understood that issues relating to Biodiversity and Climate Change are important, however the Plan's regard to these factors is inappropriate. Considerations relating to ecology, the natural environment and Climate Change are interlinked through the strategic theme of environmental sustainability and so should inform the strategic approach comprehensively. Presently, the approach of the Plan inappropriately provides emphasis towards environmental sustainability, which results in a reducing the value of social and economic sustainability and the associated contribution to realsigin environmental benefit. A more positive approach would be for these factors to be attributed equal significance so that the objectives of the Plan can be satified by delivering changes positively through economic growth and addressing social inequalities . The current arrangement of big themes is contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework, which asserts that all aspects of sustainable of development must demonstrate economic, social and environmental as equal components in achieving sustainable development. This is in the effort to ensure development that will not compromise the ability of future generations from meeting their own needs. It is considered that for the emerging Local Plan to provide an ambitious and positive approach to addressing climate change and environmental issues, economic and social factors must be recognised as informing development solutions. The delivery of environmental objectives should not be to the detriment of the other elements of sustainable development. Greater Cambridge is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth and so it is vital that the new Plan identifies an appropriate and deliverable strategy to meet the demands of this growth. This includes sufficient land and sites to meet the specific needs of Cambridge city, as well as the rural requirements of the larger area of South Cambridgeshire. Presently, there is insufficient emphasis on these other aspects of development. Summary of Comments: The big themes do not provide the correct balance between the elements of sustainable development, with inappropriate emphasis on climate change.
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3.1 Agree. 3.2 The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen in order to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts.
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CambridgePPF give a qualified agreement to the themes. The matrix provided by the four big themes with the three main cross-cutting planning elements produces a useful framework within which to develop the Plan. We feel that this is a significant improvement on the approach to the 2018 Plan • However, CambridgePPF believes that the theme ‘Wellbeing and Social Inclusion’ is drawn too narrowly. We would like to see this theme widened under the broader heading ‘Quality-ofLife’ which would cover not just the issues of public health and social inclusion but also the wider factors that people need to enjoy a high quality of life – education and training, adequacy of local medical services, environmental issues like air quality, local retail facilities, opportunities for sport and recreation etc. These items are essential for people’s quality-oflife and happiness yet they risk being overlooked in the proposed big theme structure. It is appreciated that some of these issues could be covered within the Great Places theme, but Great Places seems to be primarily orientated towards new developments and incoming occupiers rather than on facilities and opportunities for current residents. • The historic environment, which is one of Cambridge’s most outstanding and most widelyvalued features, is largely overlooked within the 4 key themes. E.g. Cambridge’s most significant green spaces are historic spaces, considering them only as green spaces fails to recognise their full value. We suggest a fifth key theme: how to reconcile growth pressures with keeping Cambridge special, in effect, how to avoid killing the goose that lays the golden eggs!
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Agree with climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well being & social inclusion, great places but traffic and travel should also be a big theme.
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