The representations to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan are attached in full, supported by a vision document for the site, 'Land west of Beach Road, Cottenham'.

We support the aims of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, as set out at Section 2 of the Plan, to respond to:

• Climate Change;
• Bio-Diversity & Green Spaces;
• Wellbeing and Social Inclusion;
• Great Places;
• Jobs;
• Homes; and
• Infrastructure.

Recommendation: Support

Neighbourhood Plan Housing Targets (P27)

Neighbourhood planning is specifically aimed at ensuring communities retain direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. It seems wholly inappropriate therefore for the Greater Cambridge Plan seeks to centralise these decisions stating that “…As such we are not relying on neighbourhood areas providing additional homes to meet our requirements.” Similarly, it is appropriate that emerging policies in the Greater Cambridge Local Plan reflect those made in Neighbourhood Plans.

Recommendation: Where an appropriate case can be made, in the context of national planning policy, Neighbourhood Plans should be afforded the ability to consider and bring forward housing developments appropriate to their needs and objectives.

What Alternatives did we Consider (P28)

It is not clear that alternative patterns of growth were considered in preparing the plan. The rationale for relegating Cottenham in the settlement hierarchy (see below) is unclear and to this end it is similarly not clear to what extent retention of Cottenham as a Major Rural Centre has been considered.

Recommendation: A refined strategy should be considered that allows an appropriate proportion of growth to take place in sustainable locations to compliment that being focused to strategic allocations.