The general policy of restraint in relation to the rest of the rural area which fails to recognise the growth potential of areas, including Meldreth and Melbourn, where there is good public transport access.
The proposed allocations at Meldreth and Melbourn do not reflect the fact that this is a highly sustainable location and that sites 40088 and 40089 are very close to Meldreth Station. Both of these areas of land are largely unconstrained and have the potential for sustainable growth.

The general approach to development in this area is supported, however, there is clearly potential for sustainable growth in some areas which is not recognised. The potential of Meldreth and Melbourn to provide additional homes and jobs is not currently reflected in the policies relating to the area.

There is a restrictive approach to development within the rural areas irrespective of the level of sustainability of settlements. In respect of the land the subject of these representations, the villages of Meldreth and Melbourn are clearly in sustainable locations and this has been recognised in the assessments undertaken by the councils.

Furthermore, the relevant guidance provided by the NPPF does not necessary limit growth of an appropriate scale in rural areas, but instead seeks to enable these to prosper and for growth to be promoted where it will maintain or enhance the viability of the settlement and/or areas within it as a source of both homes and jobs. The GCLP does not achieve this objective in its current form, and it is maintained that a greater balance needs to be achieved between promoting development in the key target locations, whilst also recognising the growth potential of sustainable locations with good access to public transport links and employment opportunities.

More specifically, it is considered that the Land to the West of Station Road represents a suitable site for the provision of new housing and that its development would deliver new homes in close proximity to a key public transport node in the form of Meldreth Station. The proximity of the site to Melbourn would also mean that the range of services and facilities in the larger settlement are easily accessible by pedestrians and cyclists. The site itself is largely unconstrained, and represents a deliverable site where because of its scale, development could be realised within five years.

Furthermore, the allocation of this site and its redevelopment for predominantly residential use would enable the creation of a more attractive environment at this key gateway to Meldreth. The presence of poor-quality former agricultural buildings in this prominent location fails to capitalise on the locational advantages of this well-located site at the edge of the settlement, where prospective residents would have safe and convenient access to amenities in both Meldreth and Melbourn.

While it is acknowledged that it would not necessarily be appropriate for the entire area currently identified as site: 40088 to be allocated for development, the areas closest to the settlement would represent an appropriate, proportionate and highly-sustainable addition to the existing residential areas of the village. The development of this site would also result in additional public benefits in the form of enhancements to the accessibility of the countryside and improved linkages between the two settlements. The latter would be provided for by the land owner whose wider holding includes key areas of land between the two villages where improvements to pedestrian and cycle links in particular would significantly improve access to the railway station for residents of Melbourn, and connectivity between the settlements more generally.

There are significant public benefits arising from the development of the site to the West of Station Road, which include:

• Provision of housing in a genuinely sustainable location where there would be convenient access to Meldreth Station and where walking and cycling represent the easiest means of travelling to it.
• Improvements to the vehicular access currently serving the employment site which in its current form does not necessarily provide for a safe and effective junction.

• Improvements to the accessibility of the footpath network to the south of Meldreth and access to the countryside.

In addition, it is notable that the development of this particular site would be preferable to the use of land on the north-eastern edge of Melbourn for mixed-use (including housing), when it would be better for this to be allocated specifically for the expansion of Melbourn Science Park. By contrast to the land at the southern edge of Meldreth, the proposed allocation of land to the north-east of Melbourn would not necessarily represent the most suitable or appropriate location for new housing, particularly since this would be over 2km from the railway station. Prospective residents of new housing in this part of the village would be more likely to use private cars for commuting, whereas residential development on the Site that is the subject of these representations would promote the use of public transport, walking and cycling, ultimately resulting in a more sustainable form of development.

As well as being particularly well-located to the key public transport links providing access to rail services and buses linking Meldreth to other settlements, it is notable that this site is also within easy walking distance of schools with Meldreth Primary School only 500 metres to the north. The Secondary School at Melbourn Village College is also within walking distance of the site. The distance of 1.6km (one mile), between the site and the school site means that this is within reach for children of secondary school age using existing road and footpath links. There are also opportunities to improve access between Meldreth and the secondary school which would further reduce the prospect of the need for journeys between the two areas by private cars.

It is notable that there are commitments to improve public transport to the village as noted in Figure 22 of the GCLP and provide new and improved walking and cycle routes. Development of the land subject to this representation would lead to further improvements in sustainability and support new housing and employment in a sustainable location. This connectivity represents a key advantage and opportunity to generate significant environmental and connectivity improvements for the two settlements. This will increase the wellbeing and social inclusion and spread the benefits of growth, helping to create healthy and inclusive communities.

On the basis of the above, the site is largely unconstrained, and should be considered suitable for development. Accordingly, it should be allocated for residential development which would maximise the opportunity that exists to provide for the sustainable expansion of Meldreth.

The land subject to these representations is also readily deliverable with no known technical or physical constraints that would prevent the site from being developed within the first five years of the Plan period. There is firm interest from a residential developer which is a further indication that the potential of this site, while the size of the site means that it could be developed without the need for significant additional infrastructure. The benefits arising from the development would therefore be realised within the first five years of the plan period.

Please see additional written representations in relation to sites 40088 and 40089 for further details.