Countryside support Policy S/RRA that allocates sites for homes and employment in the rural area. The Local Plan should seek to allocate a component of its housing needs towards growth at existing villages. Sustainable development in rural areas makes an important contribution to ensuring the vitality of villages and supporting existing rural services and facilities. This approach is supported by the National Planning Policy Framework (2021, NPPF), which at paragraph 79 states that to promote sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. Planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services.

The allocation of Land to the west of Cambridge Road, Melbourn makes an important contribution to this component of the spatial strategy through providing an opportunity to deliver affordable and market housing, alongside employment opportunities in a sustainable location. Melbourn is classified as a Minor Rural Centre and is one of the most sustainable villages in Greater Cambridge and lies outside of the Green Belt around the City. The site presents a prime opportunity to grow the village, sustaining existing and delivering new facilities and infrastructure, supporting local shops and businesses and meeting affordable and market housing needs.