The department notes that the plan’s vision focuses on reducing climate impacts while increasing quality of everyday life for communities. New development must minimise carbon emissions and reliance on the private car, create thriving neighbourhoods, increase green space and safeguard heritage and landscapes. We support the strategic aim to provide infrastructure, including educational facilities, in the right places and built at the right time to serve growing communities.

Consistent with paragraph 94 of the National Planning Policy Framework, we recommend that the plan adopts a positive approach to new state-funded education facilities in order to deliver on this strategic aim and the plan’s overall vision. All new schools delivered by DfE will be net zero carbon in operation, they make an invaluable contribution to new and existing communities, and (depending on the type of facility) create additional sports provision which can be made accessible to the wider community. Cambridge Maths School (CMS) in particular will diversify educational opportunities and create jobs, while also delivering on the Local Plan’s environmental objectives. This school represents a significant public sector infrastructure investment in Cambridge, providing free state education to the most talented pupils aspiring to careers in STEM sectors.