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 East 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.

While it is acknowledged that it would not necessarily be appropriate for the entire area currently identified as site: 40089 to be allocated for development, the area of 3.8 hectares to the east of the A10 and to the west of Melbourn, would represent an appropriate, proportionate and highly-sustainable addition to the existing village. The development of this site would also result in additional public benefits in the form of improved access across the land (potentially involving a new river crossing and the provision of a more direct link between north and east Melbourn and Meldreth Station), and enhancements to the existing pedestrian and cycle links across land owned by the promoter of this site to improve the attractiveness of making journeys across this land to or from the station.

There are significant public benefits arising from the development of the site to the East of Station Road which include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• The provision of housing in a genuinely sustainable location where there would be convenient access to Meldreth Station and a range of facilities and services in Melbourn;
• Improvements to the accessibility of the existing footpath linking Melbourn and Meldreth Station (the existing link may be upgraded in order to improve the condition and lighting of the existing pedestrian and cycle link);
• Provision of access to the western bank of the River Mel which is not currently accessible to the general public;
• Provision of new pedestrian and/or cycle links across the site to enable the creation of direct links between the northern and eastern areas of Melbourn and Meldreth Station (subject to the provision of a new crossing over the River Mel and continued onward access across third party land).

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. 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 Meldreth Station. Prospective residents of new housing in this part of the village would therefore 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. The close proximity of housing to both the railway station to the west and the amenities within Melbourn to the east would make it more attractive to travel on foot or by bicycle to gain access to these facilities.

As well as being well-located to public transport links, retail outlets and other associated facilities, 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 1km between the site and the Secondary School (which it may subsequently be possible to reduce significantly if the access improvements outlined above are achieved), would make the school within easy walking distance for children of secondary school age. Should the improvements in access across the site also be realised, this would significantly improve access and reduce the distance and time taken to travel by foot or by bicycle 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 an 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, it can be concluded that the 3.8 hectare site to the East of Station Road (and in particular the area to the east of the A10), 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 new housing in a sustainable location which would enhance the viability of local services in Meldreth and Melbourn.

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 for further details.