Section 2 Aims (P21):

We support the aims of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, as set out at Section 2 of the Plan, to respond to:

• Climate Change;
• Bio-Diversity & Green Spaces;
• Wellbing and Social Inclusion;
• Great Places;
• Jobs;
• Homes; and
• Infrastructure.

Recommendation: Support

Neighbourhood Plan Housing Targets (P27)

Neighbourhood planning is specifically aimed at ensuring communities retain direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. It seems wholly inappropriate therefore for the Greater Cambridge Plan to centralise these decisions stating that “…As such we are not relying on neighbourhood areas providing additional homes to meet our requirements.”

Recommendation: Where an appropriate case can be made, in the context of national planning policy, Neighbourhood Plans should be afforded the ability to bring forward housing developments appropriate to their needs and objectives.

What Alternatives did we Consider (P28)

It is not clear that alternative patterns of growth were considered in preparing the plan. In particular it is not clear if the Plan has considered the benefits of allowing an appropriate proportion of future growth to be located in rural areas to support existing villages.

Recommendation: A refined strategy should be considered that allows an appropriate proportion of growth to take place in sustainable village locations to compliment that being focused to strategic allocations.