OBJECT

The strategy for the edge of Cambridge is focussed on the delivery of strategic allocations, but ignores potential small sites on the edge of Cambridge that are also located in this area. It is considered that the small scale release of land from the Green Belt in sustainable locations and well related to existing neighbourhoods must be part of the strategy for the edge of Cambridge in emerging GCLP. The promoted development by Dudley Developments at land off Limekiln Road in Cambridge, is located close to Cherry Hinton.

Paragraph 69 of the NPPF acknowledges the role that small and medium sized sites can make towards meeting the housing requirements, and that such sites are often built-out relatively quickly. Paragraph 104 expects transport issues to be considered at the earliest stages of plan-making, and includes opportunities to promote walking, cycling and public transport use.

As set out in the representations to Policy S/DS: Development Strategy, there are few small scale development opportunities within the urban area of Cambridge that are not already allocated for housing or that have been assessed for residential use. Small scale housing sites on the edge of Cambridge, currently located within the Green Belt, are always overlooked as potential housing allocations regardless of whether there are any significant constraints to development or what the level of harm would be to Green Belt purposes arising from development at those sites. These sites could make a contribution towards meeting housing and affordable housing needs, and they are typically in very sustainable locations.

Dudley Development’s representations to the assessment of the land off Limekiln Road in Cambridge in the HELAA (Site Ref. 40528) comment on the potential constraints identified with the promoted development and explain how those constraints would be addressed. In summary, the site is largely surrounded by development, with residential to the north and a caravan and motorhome site to the south. There is limited visibility of the site and the existing trees at the site boundary would be retained as part of the promoted development. The promoted development includes open space, and there is other parks and open spaces available in Cherry Hinton. It is noted that Policy BG/BG: Biodiversity and Geodiversity is likely to include a requirement for developments to provide mitigation measures to address recreational impacts on nature conservation sites.

Requested Change

It is requested that the development strategy for the edge of Cambridge includes an additional residential allocation at land north of Cherry Hinton Caravan & Motorhome Club off Limekiln Road in Cambridge, as promoted by Dudley Developments, with the following policy requirements:

• Site Area of 0.88 Ha
• Capacity for approx. 14 dwellings, including affordable housing
• Retain and enhance existing trees and vegetation at site boundary
• Provide open space and green infrastructure
• Upgrade existing vehicular access on to Limekiln Road