Homes policies

4.54. In previous representations, MGH has emphasised that if insufficient housing is built to meet local need it will result in:-
 worsening affordability;
 damage to the local economy;
 damage to equality and social inclusion;
 adverse implications arising from climate change; and
 adverse impacts on the ability of people to live healthy lives.
4.55. The government has been clear that the Oxford Cambridge Arc should support economic growth. To do so will require housing to support the growing local work force. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Growth Deal is predicated on the delivery of increased employment growth. The CPIER indicated that in order to realise the growth that could be delivered, a total of some 2,900 homes per year would be needed, which is notably higher than the ‘Central Scenario’ that has been assessed in the First Proposals consultation. MGH strongly agrees that the Local Plan should provide for higher levels of housing growth to support a strong economy, in accordance with government policy.
4.56. There is a need to provide for a wide range of housing in the Local Plan, including a diverse range of tenures, with rented accommodation, retirement living, market housing, and affordable housing together with some custom and self-build homes. A diversity of typologies will improve the ability of the market to achieve enhanced levels of delivery of all types of housing whether rent or buy. Such diversity is best achieved on larger sites which can adapt to market trends as demand changes in order to create diverse communities with a range of socio-economic groups.
4.57. High standards of housing can be achieved through use of the preparation of development briefs or design codes. The recent changes to the national planning policy guidance and the introduction of a national design guide prescribe that local ‘design codes’ be produced which are informed by the traditions of an area, assisting in creating identity and distinctiveness. MGH endorses this approach to design.