Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57488
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: ESFA (Department for Education)
The department welcomes the plan’s reference to diversification of uses on high streets potentially improving their appeal to local communities. While education is not necessarily a town centre use, it can lead to significantly increased footfall in struggling retail areas. CMS will have up to 200 students aged 16-19, with a high degree of independence in shopping, eating out and supporting the night-time economy. We recommend that the final policy makes an allowance for education as a use which can support the long-term vibrancy and appeal of town and city centres. This would be consistent with the amended Use Classes Order which allows many town centre uses to be changed to a state-funded school without express planning consent. We recommend that Greater Cambridge policies accept the principles of that legislative framework, rather than attempting to block permitted development rights through Article 4 Directions.
The department welcomes the plan’s reference to diversification of uses on high streets potentially improving their appeal to local communities. While education is not necessarily a town centre use, it can lead to significantly increased footfall in struggling retail areas. CMS will have up to 200 students aged 16-19, with a high degree of independence in shopping, eating out and supporting the night-time economy. We recommend that the final policy makes an allowance for education as a use which can support the long-term vibrancy and appeal of town and city centres. This would be consistent with the amended Use Classes Order which allows many town centre uses to be changed to a state-funded school without express planning consent. We recommend that Greater Cambridge policies accept the principles of that legislative framework, rather than attempting to block permitted development rights through Article 4 Directions.