We strongly object to the proposed development strategy, and in particular the lack of site allocations for the rural areas. We consider that the suggested approach represents a lack of forward planning for existing village settlements, some of which are highly sustainable and represent excellent locations for growth. Existing village settlements make up a significant proportion of the Greater Cambridge area, and form the majority of South Cambridgeshire District. By adopting a reactive-only approach (windfalls-led), the Councils are restricting the opportunities for a genuinely plan-led approach to the development of these villages. We believe that this is in direct conflict with the policy set out in NPPF (paragraph 79), which sets out the following approach in relation to rural housing:
“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. Where there are groups of smaller settlements, development in one village may support services in a village nearby.”

In the context of the NPPF, we urge the Councils to review their policy approach in relation to the rural area.

Directing growth to villages that are well-located and have the potential to accommodate and benefit from growth should be a key element of the Local Plan’s spatial strategy for the period to 2041. The planned expansion of villages such as Hardwick could provide new housing whilst also boosting the local economy, creating the critical mass for improved services and facilities which in turn will assist in rejuvenation and creating an improved sense of place. This will also reduce the need to travel, promoting sustainable lifestyles and reducing the impact of development on the environment.

Identifying and allocating village extensions to well-located settlements such as Hardwick would serve to encourage the use of sustainable transport options without impacting on the Green Belt areas of greatest value. Hardwick benefits from existing bus services, cycling and walking routes. Accessibility will be further improved through the implementation of the Cambourne-to-Cambridge public transport project and potential linkages into the Greenways cycle network.

As set out in the NPPF (as above), sustainable development in rural areas is about locating housing where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. The sustainable growth of villages through additional housing development can contribute to the footfall needed to support village services and facilities, reaching a critical mass that can support a vibrant village economy. This reduces the need to travel by private vehicle and also rejuvenates local areas and their communities. In addition, the allocation of medium- and large-scale residential sites ensures the delivery of much-needed affordable housing within villages, promoting mixed communities and providing for emerging housing needs. A lack of market housing in villages, or permitting only small-scale development, will perpetuate problems of restricted housing supply, increasing house prices and lack of provision for genuine local needs.

Likewise, the co-location of different land uses is another important consideration in making strategic policy decisions to shape travel choices. For example, where new residential developments in villages provide a mix of uses (employment, shops and cafes, community facilities and recreational spaces) or are located adjacent to existing services, this will facilitate residents to live, work and socialise within their own local area and community. This will reduce the need to travel into Cambridge or one of the towns for work, shopping, and other facilities. It will also have a positive impact in terms of sense of place, community, and wellbeing.