Draft Policy CC/DC requires all development to adopt a design led approach to climate change adaptation with approaches integrated into architectural design. The draft Policy includes a hierarchy, which commences at Passive design as a preference, with full building mechanical ventilation/cooling system with lowest preference.
We support this Policy and acknowledge the importance of recognising how development and construction methods can positively contribute to reduce the impacts of climate change.

It is noted that the Aspinall Verdi Viability Study which accompanies the Draft Local Plan states that to meet Policy CC/DC no additional build cost has been included for in the viability assessment, with Aspinall Verdi stating that they “assume that the heat mitigation can be built into the design at no additional cost”.

Whilst there may be scope to introduce some passive design through materials, the hierarchy also includes mechanical ventilation. Mechanical Ventilation is not included within typical build cost, and we therefore raise concerns whether the Plan viability has accounted for sufficient costs to fully deliver this Policy across all developments within Greater Cambridge.