The intent of Policy GP/LC is supported in general. However, this does not appear to be reflected throughout the draft Local Plan due to the failure to consider the consequential impact of the North East Cambridge Development on the Green Belt and corresponding Landscape Character Areas as a result of relocation of the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP).
The policy direction proposes to ‘Respect, retain or enhance local landscape character (as set out in the Greater Cambridge Landscape Character Assessment)’.https://consultations.greatercambridgeplanning.org/sites/gcp/files/2021-08/LandscapeCharacterAssessment_GCLP_210831_Part_A.pdf

The policy is understood to be required as ‘The Local Plan needs to ensure the varied character of different parts of the area is properly considered in planning decisions. Developments should respond to the local landscape character and take opportunities for enhancement.’
Responses to the First Conversation highlighted we should require developments to be in keeping with the landscape, informed by Landscape Character Assessments. We should include policies which seek to protect sensitive and valued landscapes.
Policy NH/2 of the Adopted 2018 South Cambridgeshire Local Plan states that: ‘Development will only be permitted where it respects and retains, or enhances the local character and distinctiveness of the local landscape and of the individual National Character Area in which is it located.’
The supporting Landscape character Assessment chapter 6A covering the Fen Ditton Fen Edge Chalklands Landscape character Area includes within its Specific Landscape Guidelines to ‘Ensure development is in keeping with the open, rural character’.
The proposed WWTP relocation would result in a major industrial plant located in Landscape Character Area 6A, including towers currently planned to be up to 26m high surrounded by a circular bund and fencing on top with a combined height of circa 11 m, in an area classified as Fen Edge Chalklands. This is clearly in breach of Policy NH/2 of the 2018 South Cambridgeshire Adopted Local Plan and presumably its proposed successor, Policy GP/LC.

If the current emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan is to retain an appropriate level of credibility, the consequential effects of the proposed North East Cambridge development and corresponding WWTP relocation should be considered within the Local Plan to fully assess the impacts under policy GP/LC and be included in the Greater Cambridge Strategic Heritage Impact Assessment (2021) under Policy GP/HA.