The important roles which are envisaged for the new settlements mean that it is vital, for the success of the plan as a whole that these major developments come forward in a manner, encompassing both physical form and development trajectory (i.e. what is developed and when) that make them attractive for both people and firms.

In respect of housing this calls for a good variety in development densities so that a significant proportion of the houses are developed with sizeable gardens and are thereby differentiated from the costlier development sites within and next to the City of Cambridge. It also needs social facilities and amenities – schools, shops and green space – to be provided early encouraged, if necessary, by initial lower or rent-free premises for commercial uses. Perhaps a proportion of 106 contributions can be earmarked for this purpose?

In respect of employment land in the new settlements it is crucial that sufficient of the premises developed are appropriate for service and smaller manufacturing businesses that are being squeezed out of Cambridge City by more prestige employment provision or housing (e.g. proposals for the Travis Perkins site near the railway station). A growth in the number and scale of innovative, high value, manufacturing businesses is important so as to extend the innovation chain and improve feedback loops to the research base, thereby ensuring that the potential economic contribution of our area's science and technology strengths is captured within the UK.

It should be accepted that none of the settlements will be of a scale, even when fully developed, that avoids most residents travelling out for work, so attractive public transport links to Cambridge's major employment sites are vital for sustainability.