Object

Representation ID: 55621

Received: 29/09/2020

Respondent: Historic England

Density, heights, scale and massing
We continue to express our significant concerns regarding the current proposed heights and densities for North East Cambridge. We reiterate the importance of thoroughly testing this approach with respect to impact on heritage assets, the historic environment and the wider setting of the city.
We understand that you are commissioning some further work to explore this aspect in more detail which we very much welcome. However, it will be important that this work truly shapes your proposals and that you respond to that, rather than merely justifying a particular approach. It is important that you explore other ways to increase densities rather than simply through height.
The comparative height examples are really helpful in illustrating what might be proposed (as indeed the comparison green space figures were also very useful). Of course, it is not just height, but also massing, that will be critical.
We welcome the requirement in the policy for proposals to include appropriate landscape and visual assessment as well as heritage impact assessment and massing studies, together with the wider skyline and heritage assets. We welcome the specific reference in the policy to Fen Ditton Conservation Area and other heritage assets.
Suggested Change:
We look forward to continuing to work with you regarding densities, heights, scale and massing on this site. We look forward to seeing the report that you are commissioning in this regard.