Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 59052
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Avison Young
Garden centres play a valued role within the Local Plan area and across the UK, making a significant sustainable and economic contribution. They should be recognised within Local Plan policy. The proposed Local Plan is silent regarding garden centres, despite them being widespread. Dobbies is continually reviewing and investing in their various garden centre sites, including at Royston, at times redeveloping or expanding their premises through the planning process, therefore supportive Local Plan policy is important to them. We therefore suggest amendments to the Plan are made in respect of Policies S/DS and S/SB, as detailed at the appropriate sections.
We support the Council’s rational that ‘Providing a limited amount of development in the rest of the rural area can help meet the specific needs of specific employment sectors..’ (p122) This should apply to Dobbies Royston, and to other horticulture, nursery and garden centre developments within the Plan area. These provide valued employment, retail and leisure opportunities which provide a day out for all ages and promote gardening as a highly sustainable activity, which effectively enhances the wellbeing of the population. Indeed these aspects align with two of the proposed Local Plan’s four themes; biodiversity and green spaces and wellbeing and social inclusion.