The reliance on existing, large site allocations should be balanced with smaller sites within existing sustainable settlements, such as the land west of Station Road, Fulbourn, to maintain the smooth delivery of housing throughout the plan period.

The above issue has been made clear in the Letwin Review, which focused on the delivery of large housing sites, and recent Local Plan examinations, such as Uttlesford and St Albans, where the focus of the plans only on large sites for delivery has been heavily criticised.


In addition the Cambridge & Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER), which was published in September 2018, concluded that 'Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is an area which already makes a huge contribution to the UK, and which holds great promise for the future. It also faces risks, which could bring the success to an end, and challenges relating to creating an inclusive society where economic growth works for everyone'.

The CPIER report, advocates a 'blended spatial strategy' of four possible scenarios:
- densification
- dispersal
- fringe growth
- transport corridors

It concluded that 'some densification, particularly in Cambridge, is needed, though this should happen away from the historic centre, and more on the edges, as and where new development sites come forward. There should be some scope for expanding development around the city boundary, but intelligently planned transport links will be needed to avoid worsening of congestion. In Cambridge specifically though there are limits to the growth of the city in other directions, the east side of the city (of which Fulbourn is on) offers significant scope for housing and commercial development. Such development would have the advantage of being close to the principal centres of employment and the existing rail infrastructure whilst also opening up opportunities for new transport links to connect the main centres of employment more effectively'.

The land west of Station Road, Fulbourn is a very sustainable location, which is consistent with the conclusion of the CPIER report. The site is well-related to the centre of Fulbourn, which benefits from a high quality bus service and the site is also adjacent to the Cambridge to Newmarket railway line, where land has been safeguarded to provide for a new railway station should it be required in the future. Therefore the site should be included as an allocation within this local plan to support the sustainable delivery of housing.