We have no objection to the proposal to group similar settlements into categories that reflect their scale, characteristics and sustainability. This is a common approach adopted by Local Plans and reflects how settlements have different roles and levels of potential to accommodate growth.
The proposed levels of the settlement hierarchy comprise:
• Cambridge City
• Towns
• Rural Centres
• Minor Rural Centres
• Group Villages
• Infill Villages
Both Sawston and Great Shelford with Stapleford are proposed to be identified as Rural Centres.
Appendix 1H: Settlement Hierarchy Review of the Development Strategic Topic Paper, considered whether the existing hierarchy of settlements (within existing plans) continues to be relevant.
Regarding Rural Centres, the Review states that “Rural centres have been recognised as the largest and most sustainable villages in the district. They have good access to a secondary school (either within the village or accessible by good public transport), employment opportunities, and a variety of services and facilities, and have good public transport links to Cambridge or a market town. They stand out as having the larger populations than other villages. Rural Centres with their range of services play a role in serving the surrounding smaller villages and to meet their daily needs. It remains appropriate to recognise this small number of larger villages as a higher order than other settlements”.

We support the Councils recognition that villages such as Stapleford (with Great Shelford) and Sawston are two of the most sustainable villages in the area owing to their good access to employment opportunities, a variety of services and facilities and good transport links.

Regarding Great Shelford with Stapleford, we welcome that the Review identifies that the two villages act as one settlement. We also note that the regular Citi 7 route link to Cambridge has been recognised. However, it states that there will be “a stop” on Phase 2 of the South East Cambridge Transport Route within the village, for accuracy we consider this needs to be updated to reflect the planned route, which will have two stops at either end of the village. Nevertheless, we do support the classification of Stapleford and Great Shelford as a Rural Centre.
In terms of Sawston, we also appreciate that the Review notes its public transport connectivity due to the Citi 7 route and the South East Cambridge Transport Route. It is also welcomed that the employment locations within the village are noted and the settlement’s role as a ‘hub’ for surrounding rural group and infill villages is recognised.
In light of the above, we believe Great Shelford with Stapleford and Sawston’s roles as Rural Centres is entirely justified.