Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to provide the comments of Gladman Developments Limited in response to the consultation on the draft Village Design Guide SPD (VDG) for Papworth Everard. Gladman request that you take these into account in the preparation of the SPD.


Gladman note that the Design Guide is intended as a user-friendly tool for developers (amongst others) and aims to set out clear design principles to guide future development proposals in and around the village. It is important that the Guide is used as a basis to inform discussions between developers, their consultants and the Council and that the guidance is not misinterpreted as rigid policy requirements.


Gladman wish to make the following, brief comments on the draft VDG:


* Section 3 sets out the priorities for the VDG, which include the protection of views and vistas across the village.

Gladman considers that this matter goes beyond the typical remit of an SPD on design and should be considered in depth through plan-making, either through a strategic plan at district level or through a neighbourhood plan. While landscape considerations are undoubtedly important, they must be considered alongside more strategic issues such as overall levels of growth.

* Sections 5 concerns landscape-led design. Figure 10 identifies "valued" green spaces/gaps and internal and external views. However, the evidential basis for these "valued" views is unclear. Again, this potentially goes beyond the remit of a design SPD and into a matter that would be more appropriately considered through plan-making or a detailed landscape character assessment .

* Section 9 sets out basic principles for the design of new homes. Gladman welcomes the fact that while recognising distinctive styles within different parts of Papworth, the guidance does not seek to prescribe detailed requirements for any element of design, including materials or house types .


Gladman trust that you find the above comments constructive . Should you require any clarification or wish to discuss the points raised, please do not hesitate to contact me.