Timing of the Consultation
5. There are several questionable issues of timing associated with this consultation. Firstly, it is taking place in near parallel to the “Making Connections” and “Cambridge Eastern Access” consultations being run by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, both of which have a direct bearing on aspects of this consultation.
6. Secondly, it assumes the further coordinated development of the so-called “Ox-Cam Arc”, which is now
under review by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
7. Thirdly, it assumes the existence and influence of a “UK Innovation Corridor” and a “Cambridge-Norwich
Tech Corridor”. Both of these are concepts driven by business interests about which there has been little, if
any, publicity or public debate. They are not part of an accepted national planning strategy.
8. Fourthly, the Combined Authority is responsible for transport planning for the County and a consultation
on the Local Transport & Connectivity Plan that will have significant implications for this Local Plan has only
just been completed and the outcomes are as yet unknown.
9. Fifthly, and perhaps most importantly, any development in or around Cambridge is predicated upon the availability of sufficient potable water supply, yet Water Resources East are still in the process of
developing a Regional Water Plan which will not be available for consultation until summer 2022 and
several of the basic concepts of which appear fundamentally flawed.
10. CPRE considers that, although the current Local Plans for both authorities, which were only signed off in
2018, carried an Inspector’s recommendation to effect a joint Plan, this study is premature because many
key facts which will inform it remain unavailable. This haste will likely lead to a considerable waste of
public money at a time when both authorities are struggling for funds to meet their statutory obligations.