1. These representations are made on behalf of Mr K.B. Tebbit Ltd and relate to the promotion of HELAA sites Ref: 40383 – Land north east of Hurdleditch Road, Orwell and Ref: 40378 – Land to the south west of Hurdleditch Road, Orwell.

2. Orwell is located to the southwest of Cambridge within South Cambridgeshire. Adopted Policy S/8 of the adopted Local Plan (2018) identifies Orwell as a Group Village, this classification is to be carried forward through the GCLP. Group Villages are classed as the fourth most sustainable settlement type in the proposed GCLP Settlement Hierarchy behind Cambridge city, Towns, Rural Centres and Minor Rural Centres.

3. In the period 2015-2018 there has been a vast number of appeal decisions and decisions at a local level which has confirmed that Group Villages are capable of accommodating housing growth by virtue of their service provision and status in the settlement hierarchy.

4. Orwell village has access to a number of facilities enabling residents to access services for their day-to-day needs. The appeal decision associated with outline planning permission for 49 dwellings appeal scheme at Hurdleditch Road, Orwell concurs with our assessment in respect of Orwell being capable of supporting housing growth (of a similar scale put forward via this Call for Sites exercise). The Inspector concluded that future residents of the appeal scheme would be located closely to existing local facilities and services providing for some day to day needs of residents and that there was the opportunity for some journeys to be made by public transport to facilities and services located further afield.

5. Attached as a separate sheet is a detailed overview of the shops, services and transport links which would serve residents. Tables 1-3 (see attachment) also provide an approximate distance and travel time to each of the services from the land which is being promoted for residential development by our client.

7. In light of Tables 1-3 (see attachment) it is clear Orwell possesses a range of shops and services which can be reached via sustainable modes of transport. The village is served by a direct bus link to Cambridge which has services at peak times to allow a commute to and from the city centre (Monday – Saturday). Orwell also benefits from quick and convenient access to rail and park & ride connections which provide links to major centres.

8. Orwell is an established sustainable settlement capable of accommodating proportionate levels of new housing growth to assist in preparation of a balanced and varied housing supply which in turn will support the economic growth of Greater Cambridge.