Peterhouse support the principle of the proposed development strategy for Greater Cambridge
and the approach to directing development to locations where active and new public transport is
the natural choice, where green infrastructure can be delivered alongside new development, and
where jobs, services and facilities can be located near to where people live. This approach is
consistent with the NPPF, which at paragraph 11.a) states that all plans should promote a
sustainable form of development.

Peterhouse supports the principle of including allocations for housing and employment in the rest
of the rural area as part of the proposed development strategy. The Local Plan should seek to
allocate a component of its housing needs towards growth at existing villages. Sustainable
development in rural areas makes an important contribution to ensuring the vitality of villages and
supporting existing rural services and facilities.

This approach is supported by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which at
paragraph 79 states that to promote sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be
located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. Planning policies
should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local
services.

Notwithstanding this clear direction in national policy, the emerging Local Plan makes very few
additional allocations in the rural area and Peterhouse objects to this approach. This approach
threatens the vitality of villages within the rural area and stifles opportunities for further growth
and supporting local services. The allocation of additional small to medium sized sites in the rural
area will also help to ensure that the housing supply for the Local Plan is balanced and robust,
reducing the reliance on strategic sites and the limited allocations in villages. As such, the
Development Strategy should include for further allocations in the rural area to ensure that a
sound spatial strategy is developed and delivered.

It is important that any additional allocations accord with the principles of the proposed
development strategy. Land south of Hattons Road, Longstanton accords with the proposed
development strategy as follows:

● Directing development to where active and public transport is the natural choice:
− Longstanton Park and Ride is located approximately 1.5km to the north of the site and
provides residents with access to a high frequency service between Cambridge and St.
Ives. The Park and Ride is within easy cycling distance of the site and would provide
residents with access to sustainable modes of transport.
− There is a footpath public right of way running along the eastern boundary of the site,
which connects Hattons Road with School Lane and a footpath on the opposite side of
Hattons Road. A tactile paving crossing point and footway could be created along the
northern boundary of the site on the south side of Hattons Road to improve connectivity.
A footpath link can also be created to the south to the existing footway on School Lane
and the Citi5/5A/5C bus stop around 100m from the south eastern boundary of the site.
This would provide the potential new residents with safe pedestrian access to services,
facilities and public transport from within the site.
Preferred Options Consultation 2021 – Land South of Hattons Road, Longstanton
● Where green infrastructure can be delivered alongside new development:
− The proposal includes multi-functional public open space including parklands, woodlands
and nature reserves which are connected by green corridors to enhance and build upon
existing corridors in the surrounding landscape. A total of 5.89 hectares (approximately
half of the site) is proposed for open space, including a continuation of the public open
space allocated in SC/1(b) to create a meaningful green spine through Longstanton.
− The site is predominantly agricultural land and can currently be considered to be of low
ecological value. Through enhancements the proposals present an opportunity to deliver
a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%.
● Where jobs services and facilities can be located near to where people live:
− Locating residential development in a sustainable location, within close proximity to
existing and proposed services, facilities, infrastructure and employment opportunities.
The site is located approximately 150m from the village High Street, located near to
Northstowe, which will provide a wide range of town centre uses, and is well within
cycling distance of the Longstanton Park and Ride. The site is therefore well placed for
future residents to be able to walk and cycle, rather than travel by private car, to meet
their daily needs.