Comment

Representation ID: 56126

Received: 02/10/2020

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Agent: Carter Jonas

The statement in the policy ‘Development densities and building heights should not exceed those
identified on Figure 21 and Figure 23’ does not provide sufficient flexibility for a detailed
planning application process – there might be exceptional circumstances that support a taller
building beyond the heights specified, and policy should be written in a more positive manner i.e.
simply inserting ‘unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated’.

We would like to query why the plan takes a more cautious approach to heights than is recommended
in the LCVIA. For the area in which Vitrum is positioned, the LCVIA recommends ‘up to 6 storeys –
18m’ and we think the plan in question 6 might follow this approach and simply state ‘up to 6
storeys’ rather than ‘typically 4 – 5 storeys, maximum 6 storeys’. This change in reference would
make it clear what the general upper height parameter should be (rather than the current format
which implies that only in special and limited circumstances will 6 storeys be deemed acceptable),
thereby creating a positively-worded policy that will help optimise economic development across the SJIP.