We support the continuation of existing Opportunity Areas, especially, S/OA/ Policy 23. It is however considered that the Policy and the Eastern Gate Development Framework, Supplementary Planning Document could be updated to provide specific guidance on the sites contained therein, especially given that the SPD was formulated in 2011 and in line with the then adopted Local Plan (2006).

Moreover, some of the proposal sites shown therein (Figure 2 of the SPD) have since come forward for development. Other sites, shown as ‘Other Potential Development Site’s, have also come forward through the planning application process, and are considered to play an important role in assisting with the delivery of Greater Cambridge Local Plan’s housing, employment and other land use needs over the plan period.

An update of the SPD will provide a useful baseline of the current position on the ground and to guide development proposals moving forward to 2041.

For example, Figure 39 of the SPD sets out the ‘Built Form, Scale and Massing Strategy’ for the SPD study area, including indicated building frontages and storey heights. The redevelopment of the Cambridge College for Further Education site on Young Street is shown as delivering 3 plus 1 storeys along New Street and 2 plus 1 storeys on at the corner of New Street and Sturton Street.

However, planning permission with reference: 12/0489/FUL, as developed on site, shows 3 plus 1 storeys at the corner of New Street and Sturton Street and along the New Street frontage leading to East Road.

It is therefore considered that the SPD been updated to reflect the above building form and height, and continue this along the remainder of New Street at 3 plus 1 storeys.

Moreover, the development has corresponded with the traditional building frontages in line with the SPD.

These indicative building frontages, are continued along New Street (Figure 39 of the SPD) along the St Matthew’s Centre site, which is supported. Nevertheless, the SPD should recognise that the St Matthews Centre site frontage is constrained by setback tree planting to its New Street and Sturton Street frontages, and protected open space to its York Street frontage. In order to facilitate the potential development and aspirations of the SPD, especially for the St Matthew Centre site, and to reflect the prevailing street frontage character of New Street, the SPD should development that faces New Street, whilst ensuring the protected open space is maintained and enhanced.

The St Matthew Centre site is an important facility for the Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts, and has the potential to assist with the delivery of modern enhanced facilities for the college as it grows.

In light of the above, it is considered that some or all of the sites highlighted as ‘Other potential development sites’ should be included as proposed sites, in particular the St Matthews Centre, Sturton Street site.