Wellbeing and inclusion

4.37. There is a significant body of evidence emerging that shows healthy lifestyles are best supported by developments that are able to provide: -
 ‘gentle density’ that is only achievable in more urban areas;
 where public transport is available;
 mixed use development, supported by larger local populations;
 walkable neighbourhoods;
 shops, services and places to meet; and are
 leafy with regular green spaces.

4.38. The best way of achieving these aims is in the allocation of larger sites that are capable of accommodating a mix of uses. The consultation also notes that, in response to the First Conversation consultation on how the plan could achieve ‘good growth’, respondents agreed that development should be in sustainable locations, delivering a range of housing, including affordable housing, with access to safe and affordable sustainable transport as is proposed at North Cambourne.
4.39. The promotion of social inclusion in Cambridgeshire is an important consideration. We note the disparities in quality of life and life expectancy in the most deprived areas of the county compared to the least deprived areas . These disparities are not easy to resolve even over one Local Plan period because they are influenced by underlying socio demographics including aspirations and wages. The creation of new education, employment and training opportunities, where a wide mix of housing types can also be provided, and where open spaces, leisure and cultural activities are available to all, will help to improve the life chances of all residents and improve social inclusion.
4.40. Access to public transport is a key measure of social inclusion. For less affluent households, a second car is often not available, limiting the ability of the household to access employment opportunities.
4.41. The creation of truly mixed-use communities where access to jobs and facilities is maximised for all residents, as proposed at North Cambourne, is therefore a key measure in assessing which sites should come forward for development.
4.42. Larger sites are preferred in achieving overall gains for inclusion and balanced place making as they can better provide:-
 homes for all parts of the community;
 a wider range of accessible jobs;
 support the delivery of low carbon transport infrastructure;
 ensure that infrastructure, services and facilities are provided alongside new employment and homes; and
 support arts and culture.
4.43. The approach to delivering a mix of employment that is advocated in the emerging plan is also capable of being delivered at North Cambourne. Importantly, North Cambourne is not a stand-alone new community, but one that expands an existing community. This provides the opportunity to address some of the deficiencies of the existing community, particularly in terms of the availability of local jobs and facilities, as well as deliver a new community that can fully address the policy agenda of the emerging GCLP. North Cambourne as a location will be further enhanced with the delivery of new infrastructure specifically aimed at enhancing levels of public transport use in the form of C2C and East West Rail.
4.44. The presence of Cambourne as an existing settlement requires that consultation with existing communities will remain key in formulating a framework to guide future development at North Cambourne, both in terms of location and design. Design Charrettes or other similar processes, carried out at the right time and involving community representatives, local politicians and other stakeholders can help to gain buy-in from the community. MGH is committed to consultation in relation to its proposals for North Cambourne and has already been in discussion with relevant stakeholders and local communities for several years.
4.45. Consultation with existing communities will remain key for MGH in establishing a legitimate plan to guide future development, both in terms of location and design. Design Charrettes or other similar processes, carried out at the right time and involving community representatives, local politicians and other stakeholders can help to gain buy-in from the community. MGH is committed to consultation in relation to its proposals for North Cambourne and has already been in discussion with relevant stakeholders and local communities for several years.