The policy direction includes establishing a hierarchy of centres across Greater Cambridge. This must also include the centres in the new settlements and new communities. The policy needs to support the provision and safeguarding of new centres in the new settlements to enable the residents to be able to walk or cycle to services and not have to use their car and travel to other centres.

With the increase in permitted development rights, it is becoming increasingly difficult to control the retention of shops and services. Consideration should be given in the policy saying that shops and services which provide a vital service will be protected through a condition removing permitted development rights or serving an article 4 direction.