Question 51: Generic Question
Conclusion We hope these representations are of assistance in taking the plan forward. Should you require any further clarification on the issues raised in this representation please contact me.
No uploaded files for public display
Question 2. Please submit any sites for employment and housing you wish to suggest for allocation in the Local Plan. Provide as much information and supporting evidence as possible. • I fear that the local plan is focussing on growth for the sake of it, instead of centring the living standards of Cambridgeshire’s residents and net zero climate change obligations. When will Cambridgeshire stop growing? The plan must allow for a steady state in the economy, with no further builds: we can’t build houses forever. • Development sites must support the sustainable transport goals of shifting the vast majority of everyday travel out of cars and into walking, cycling and public transport.
No uploaded files for public display
Question 2. Please submit any sites for employment and housing you wish to suggest for allocation in the Local Plan MGH has already submitted a response to the ‘Call for Sites’ in spring 2019, signed up to by the various landowners who are represented to the north of Cambourne. Cambourne is a location where existing housing and employment already exist and where there is supporting community infrastructure in terms of shops, schools and other services. There is significant potential to add to the range of uses located at Cambourne in a highly sustainable way, including new leisure, employment and homes enabling more residents to both live and work there and thereby increasing self-containment. Our evidence shows that by increasing self-containment and extending existing and proposed public transport, there is the opportunity to add significant levels of employment and housing to the north of Cambourne without impacting on overall levels of car-based journeys* * See calculations in the accompanying vision document on potential transport movements, improved selfcontainment, and modal shift.
No uploaded files for public display
Question 3. Please submit any sites for green space and wildlife habitats you wish to suggest for consideration through the Local Plan. The vision for an urban extension at North Cambourne includes the delivery of large amounts of open space, including the protection of existing open spaces and valuable habitats. There are a range of opportunities associated with the land at North Cambourne including existing habitats and the potential to expand these as well as create new habitat, to establish a net biodiversity gain as a result of these proposals. Uban extensions such as the proposal at North Cambourne are much better able to provide strategic green infrastructure than smaller individual sites, where often local requirements for green open space are not triggered, or are not possible due to site constraints. The area of land promoted at North Cambourne provides significant opportunities for biodiversity net gain, which MGH is exploring with stakeholders.
No uploaded files for public display
Response to Question 2 Lolworth Developments Ltd (LDL) has submitted a 100ha employment site proposal to the 'Call for Sites' Consultation in March 2019. LDL will not repeat the exercise by completing the 'Additional Sites and Broad Locations - Response Form - Issues and Options 2020'. However, LDL has supplied additional information in support of the proposal which seeks to secure an employment site allocation in the GCLP. The supporting information consists of:- - Individual representations to relevant questions in the 'First Conversation' document (separate forms); - An updated strategic case report demonstrating the need for this employment land proposal in this ideal location; - A Vision document which captures the essential issues and benefits delivered by the proposal; - A response to the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the Issues and Options document. LDL wants to plan and deliver an exemplar development which meets with the policy and quality mission on the 3C’s which the GCLP is advocating. LDL is ready and willing to discuss how and when this exemplar proposal can be delivered. The conclusions of CPIER strongly suggests sooner rather than later. Summary Lolworth Developments Ltd (LDL) has submitted a 100ha employment site to the 2019 ‘Call for Sites’ consultation. LDL now provides further supporting evidence to demonstrate the Bar Hill site is the right proposal of the right scale in the right location. It is close to Cambridge on the A14 travel corridor improvements and outside the green belt. It will deal with future business for the 'final mile' in and out of Cambridge. Please see supporting evidence. Summary of Comments: Please see summary above.
No uploaded files for public display
I am writing on behalf of Thakeham Homes Ltd (Thakeham) with a general response in respect of Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council’s (“the Councils”) Greater Cambridge Local Plan – The First Conversation: Issues and Options 2020. The comments made in these representations do not prejudice any other representations that are submitted by Thakeham Homes relating to a specific site. Introduction Thakeham is pleased to be participating in the current consultation and have outlined our position below in response to the specific questions raised in the Councils’ Issues and Options 2020 paper, particularly on the Councils’ approach to locating new development, in order to deliver a Local Plan that supports sustainable development across the district. Thakeham has completed the Council’s questionnaire template for each of the relevant questions. These forms are enclosed with this letter under the Appendix. About Thakeham Thakeham do not just build houses; Thakeham are infrastructure-led placemakers and are committed to creating new, extraordinary places, where the highest attention to detail makes a positive difference. Thakeham build for the future, for communities and for individuals. Our approach sets us apart from our competitors. We deliver our schemes with a focus on sustainable development, looking ahead of current housing standards. From 2025, all Thakeham Homes will be carbon neutral in construction and zero carbon in lifetime use. Each development we build is tailored to its locality, with careful consideration of the area’s character, as well as the environment. As a sustainable placemaker first and foremost, Thakeham’s commitment to creating or improving existing communities means its schemes are design and infrastructure-led; engaging with education, healthcare, highways, utilities and other stakeholders from the start of a project. The delivery of a large volume of homes facilitates the delivery of physical, social and green infrastructure which benefits the wider surrounding area, as well as the new residents, and ensures that Thakeham create sustainable places to live and work. At every stage, our approach is one that ensures we leave a legacy behind that everyone can be proud of.
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of Comments for Question 5 (Do you think we have identified the right cross-boundary issues and initiatives that affect ourselves and neighbouring areas?): To an extent. Should also consider whether any unmet needs from other authorities in the housing market area can be met within the Greater Cambridge.
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of comments for Question 6 (Do you agree with the potential big themes for the Local Plan?): Thakeham agrees that the four big themes are appropriate and important for considering the spatial distribution of growth and policy formation.
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of comments for Question 8 (how should the Local Plan help us achieve net zero carbon by 2050?): Thakeham believes that development should be sustainable-led and focus on placemaking to ensure people can live, work and play in the same place.
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of comments for Question 16 (how should the Local Plan help us achieve 'good growth' that promotes wellbeing and social inclusion?): The key is to ensure new development focuses on placemaking with open space and sustainable living and movement at the heart of development principles
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of comments for Question 19 (How do you think new developments should support healthy lifestyles?): Focus on sustainable developments which follow the NHS Healthy New Towns principles.
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of comments for Question 24 (How important do you think continuing economic growth is for the next Local Plan?): Very important. Strong economy ensures retention and attraction of highly skilled workforce, but need to provide the homes and working environment.
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of Comments for Question 25 (What kind of business and industrial space do you think is most needed in the ares?): Flexible space and jobs. Highly skilled jobs for science and tech, but also supporting jobs in all sectors
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of Comments for Q28 (In providing for a range of employment space, are there particular locations we should be focusing on?): In new settlements, with sustainable transport links to residential, and adjacent to existing villages to reduce travel and improve zero carbon target
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of Comments for Question 32 (Do you think we should plan for a higher number of homes than the minimum required by government, to provide flexibility to support the growing economy?): CPIER report suggests higher figure of 2,900 per annum. Need to include a 5% buffer. Factor in possible unmet need from neighbouring authorities.
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of Comments for Question 33 (What kind of housing do you think we should provide?): Housing mix policies should be determined by a Local Housing Need Assessment in accordance with NPPF, but also flexibility on a site by site basis
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of Comments for Question 35 (How should we ensure a high standard of housing is built in our area?): Apply the key themes to new development, but not overly prescriptive or potential to be unviable.
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of comments for Question 36 (How should the Local Plan ensure the right infrastructure is provided in line with development?): Ensure developers contribute early to delivery of infrastructure as part of any development
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of comments for Question 37 (How should we encourage a shift away from car use and towards more sustainable modes of transport, such as public transport, cycling and walking?): Focus on location of development to provide for live/work/play and reduce need to travel externally
No uploaded files for public display
Summary of comments for Question 38 (What do you think the priorities are for new infrastructure?): Sustainable transport focusing on prioritising pedestrian / cycle movement over the car. Creating places to live/work/play to reduce external movement
No uploaded files for public display
Response to Question 2 Lolworth Developments Ltd (LDL) has submitted a 100ha employment site proposal to the 'Call for Sites' Consultation in March 2019. LDL will not repeat the exercise by completing the 'Additional Sites and Broad Locations - Response Form - Issues and Options 2020'. However, LDL has supplied additional information in support of the proposal which seeks to secure an employment site allocation in the GCLP. The supporting information consists of:- - Individual representations to relevant questions in the 'First Conversation' document (separate forms); - An updated strategic case report demonstrating the need for this employment land proposal in this ideal location; - A Vision document which captures the essential issues and benefits delivered by the proposal; - A response to the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the Issues and Options document. LDL wants to plan and deliver an exemplar development which meets with the policy and quality mission on the 3C’s which the GCLP is advocating. LDL is ready and willing to discuss how and when this exemplar proposal can be delivered. The conclusions of CPIER strongly suggests sooner rather than later. Summary Lolworth Developments Ltd (LDL) has submitted a 100ha employment site to the 2019 ‘Call for Sites’ consultation. LDL now provides further supporting evidence to demonstrate the Bar Hill site is the right proposal of the right scale in the right location. It is close to Cambridge on the A14 travel corridor improvements and outside the green belt. It will deal with future business for the 'final mile' in and out of Cambridge. Please see supporting evidence. Summary of Comments: Please see summary above.
No uploaded files for public display
Response to Local Development Plan consultation February 2020 Little Abington Parish Council (LAPC) is broadly in agreement with the proposed key themes as the process for agreeing the new Local Development Plan gets underway. We would expect to see evidence of alignment with the plans of adjoining local authorities and other public authorities including the County Council, the Greater Cambridge Partnership and the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority as well as evidence of linkage with public service providers in this area such as Health and Social Care, Education and the Police. Development and transport plans in adjoining authorities, such as North Uttlesford District Council and West Suffolk Council/St Edmundsbury should also be considered.
No uploaded files for public display
1. Potential for overdevelopment in and around Cambridge City including South Cambridgeshire. Clearly Cambridge City and the area around it is of significant national economic and strategic importance, particularly for life sciences/ biomedical sciences /information technology research and industry. However, there is a risk of over development in this area. This is a key issue for many residents who are concerned about the quantity and pace of development in the South Cambs district and query the numbers demanded by central government. Planners need to understand and reflect on what communities want and build on local knowledge and the tradition of the area. This must include planning for any new settlements or significant developments within existing communities. We recognise that land is scarce and building higher rise buildings might be appropriate in some parts of Greater Cambridge, but it would not be acceptable in rural villages and areas with a historical style of architecture. One Parish Councillor commented –“The SCDC vision is stated as “to put the heart into Cambridgeshire”, but I reject the implication that it currently lacks a heart. Let’s recognise both the city and its surrounding network of vibrant village communities as having a pretty healthy heart already. Keeping it beating and avoiding sclerosis should be the objective”.
No uploaded files for public display
2. Transport and infrastructure More housing and other developments will lead to more traffic. Transport corridors in and around Cambridge and South Cambs are already highly congested. Putting more development near them without adequate consideration will only make things worse. The Greater Cambridge team needs to work with the transport providers such as Network Rail to improve train services into Cambridge, e.g. from Whittlesford and surrounding small stations. This needs to be phased with development, not an afterthought. Public transport must be affordable and accessible if drivers are to be encouraged off the road. Buses, trains, cycle paths and metros are great for people, but no good for transportation of goods, lorries, vans, and tradespeople. A better rail infrastructure might provide an opportunity to shift transportation of goods from roads to rail particularly on the route from the eastern ports to the Midlands. This would be a major strategic shift requiring collaboration with multiple agencies. However, there is no rail link to Haverhill to solve the problem of increasing goods traffic on the A1307. Much more thought needs to be given regarding the location of future distribution centres. They need to be closer to motorways and major routes and not in towns such as Haverhill with heavy goods traffic coming close to, or directly, through South Cambs villages.
No uploaded files for public display
3. Zero Carbon/Electricity More homes, more jobs, increased development of business and science parks, electric cars. How will the increased demand for electricity and energy be met? All planning applications for new housing developments should require initiatives to reduce emissions such as heat pumps and solar panels.
No uploaded files for public display
4. Water There has been concern about the aquifers in this part of South Cambridgeshire. Further development means increased demand for water. Although at present (February 2020) the news is full of problems with excess rainfall and resultant flooding, after a few dry weeks in the summer it will be a different story with warnings of water shortage. We need to conserve more water which will require increased storage capacity with larger reservoirs and underground storage of water. Planners should encourage/insist on more rainwater harvesting and use of grey water in all planning applications. Sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) should also be considered and measures taken to reduce leakage.
No uploaded files for public display
5. Flooding Although this is not currently a problem in Little Abington, further development, without thoughtful planning, could heighten the risk. Any further development needs to ensure adequate drainage including upgrades of existing drainage whenever an opportunity ( such as house extensions or small-scale developments) arises. Ditches and rivers need to be kept clear and properly maintained with adequate flood defences provided in those areas prone to flooding.
No uploaded files for public display
6. Green spaces and Green Belt The Plan must prioritise maintaining and protecting Local Green Spaces including Protected Village Amenity Areas (PVAAs). When opportunities arise new and accessible Local Green Spaces and PVAAs should be considered. Landscapes that are regarded as “special” by local communities should also be protected from development. These actions will protect biodiversity as well as providing more open spaces for recreation. Building on the Green Belt should be avoided whenever possible. However, if building on Green Belt is required, an area of at least the same size should be provided to compensate. Plans for new developments should include planting trees (not which trees will be removed as at present) and green spaces.
No uploaded files for public display
7. Villages Small distinct villages are a characteristic of South Cambridgeshire. We feel there is risk of “sprawl” along new transport corridors and close to transport hubs. LAPC notes consideration for “small” site developments of less than 1 hectare. For a village the size of Little Abington this would be a significant development for perhaps as many as 30 dwellings. Any development should be in keeping with appearance and characteristics of the local area and address local need. Comment from a Parish Councillor: “my most serious comment relates to “locating development”. The percentage allocated to “rural areas” should be brought down to say 10%, or we shall almost certainly start to destroy the character of many of our villages, not least our own.
No uploaded files for public display
8. Access to public services Public services in this area are already stretched. Schools are oversubscribed and NHS facilities are running over capacity. Primary Care is also overstretched. Any new developments will need close working with public agencies such as Health & Social Care and Education to ensure that there is adequate service provision planned to open at the same time as developments are completed.
No uploaded files for public display