SmithsonHill supports the expressed aim to encourage a flourishing and mixed economy, including the objective to “maintain the area’s global reputation for innovation”. It also supports the provision of “significant quantities of housing” which is essential to sustain the economic objectives.

Greater Cambridge has demonstrated the effectiveness of the economic ‘clustering’ phenomenon in particular with a distinct established southern life sciences cluster, involving major business parks with world leading facilities, which are continuing to grow strongly.

The importance of this area is recognised and identified by the local plan first proposals document, including through the definition of the “rural southern cluster” policy area.

The November 2020 sustainability appraisal identifies and assesses an option for “supporting a high-tech corridor by integrating homes and jobs (southern cluster)”. This option “performs well” in the appraisal.

Accordingly it is considered that it is logical for the vision and aims of the plan to include reference to achieving a balance spatially in the location of jobs and homes, which will be particularly relevant in sustaining the continuing economic growth and success of the rural southern cluster.