The proposed policy direction to include settlement boundaries around settlements is supported. Settlement boundaries play an important role in controlling development, however they should not be used as a basis for preventing otherwise sustainable development from coming forward. It is noted that the First Proposals states that boundaries will be defined to take into account the present extent of the built-up area and planned new development. However, the proposed development strategy to restrict the number of dwellings in certain tiers of the settlement hierarchy and the low number of site allocations proposed for the rural areas will prevent sustainable development from being brought forward unless further sites are allocated for development and included within the settlement boundary.
Should the Councils wish to continue to apply a heavy reliance on windfall development to accommodate growth, the settlement boundaries will need to be drawn more loosely around existing settlements, particularly those beyond the outer Green Belt boundary, to allow for speculative development to come forward.
Consideration should also be given to the provision of Cambridge South new station, which is anticipated to increase capacity along the existing rail line, through settlements such as Meldreth. Such infrastructure will increase the sustainability of existing settlements such as Melbourn, enabling further development to come forward within this location. Land to the East Side of Cambridge Road offers a sustainable location for residential growth located along the Melbourn Greenway, which will enhance linkages between Melbourn and Cambridge, providing a green active travel into and out of the city for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The greenway states that a key benefit is its convenient location for Melbourn Science Park, recognising the importance of this Science Park as an employment destination and its contribution to the wider Greater Cambridge area.