The consultation proposes the identification of Cambourne as “a broad location for future growth in the 2030’s to respond to the opportunity that will be provided by the proposed East West Rail that includes a station at Cambourne” (page 99). It is proposed that 1,950 dwellings will be delivered, but the consultation document does not specify a location or clear timescale for delivery. This represents a significant risk in terms of housing land supply as it depends upon the EWR programme, which could easily slip.

We would question how a ‘broad location for future growth’ for this strategic-scale development can be allocated within a local plan without an identified site that can be assessed and appraised. This proposal is entirely dependent upon a station being identified by the EWR Company, and yet there is no commitment to consulting with them or the associated programme.

The EWR project involves many uncertainties regarding both the route and the proposed stations, in addition to a complex legal process that will be necessary to facilitate its delivery. Even assuming that matters will be resolved and the scheme will proceed, we consider that there is a limited prospect of achieving 1,950 dwelling completions during the period to 2041.