Whilst the current development strategy proposes “some” development in the rural southern cluster, where homes and jobs can be located close to each other and served by good quality public transport, cycling and walking links, it is considered that the scale of the proposals and ambition is inadequate.

There is a mismatch between the economic potential of the innovative and fast growing agglomeration of science and technology based employment sites in the rural southern cluster and the scale and nature of new homes and employment sites being planned for locally to support it.

It is imperative that all opportunities to promote economic growth are taken, particularly, where this can increase the competitiveness of the UK economy and stimulate job creation and skills development. It is important that there is both sufficient and the right type of business space to meet the needs of those who want to locate in the area.

The Wellcome Trust is innovating through the form of employment and housing investment it is making at the Genome Campus at Hinxton, but this approach requires extending further across the rural southern cluster in view of the wider economic potential.

SmithsonHill is beginning to explore the option to adapt and amend its AgriTech proposal at Hinxton (site previously subject to planning inquiry and put forward to the call for sites as an employment-led site) to support a wider mix of employment uses that support the ongoing successful development of the growth cluster.

In relation to SmithsonHill’s site at Hinxton the following is emphasised:

• The strategic significance of the location in the rural southern cluster, close to Whittlesford Parkway Station, and the absence of green belt designation in respect of the site itself
• The potential of the site to support the AgriTech sector and wider science related activity through bespoke employment accommodation
• Ambition to deliver a place with the highest social, economic and environmental credentials – including net gain in terms of biodiversity – noting the scale of the available site area
• Reflecting the AgriTech park planning appeal decision, the need to explore an amended site development strategy that can better mitigate the impact of built development on the character and appearance of the landscape and the setting of heritage assets.

There is a need to consider the future role of SmithsonHill’s Hinxton site within the wider context of a very economically important area with several major developments coming forward, including the Wellcome Trust’s proposals and Huawei’s R&D and manufacturing centre at the ‘Spicers site’, Sawston, combined with the need for a more balanced, sustainable and joined up approach. This suggests a broader and more integrated development strategy is appropriate to support the rural southern cluster including additional employment land at SmithsonHill’s site (which is spatially located within the heart of the economic cluster) and residential development more widely.