Existing New settlements
26. CPRE objects strongly to Policy S/CB: Cambourne and the proposed further expansion of Cambourne West.
This is an object lesson in how urban sprawl occurs when there are no insurmountable natural barriers to
stop it. Cambourne was designed as a discrete ‘village’ development to take up overflow from Cambridge
in order that the City’s character could be retained. This policy will take up further productive farm land
and will lead to a never-ending cycle of demand for additional development. Our concern is that in the
longer term, the extension of Cambourne and proposed and current developments around St Neots
towards Bedford along the A428/A421 main route will generate further pressure for development until
Cambridge is joined to Bedford in one long urban sprawl.
27. CPRE understands Policy S/NS to carry forward the existing allocations for new settlements Northstowe,
Waterbeach and Bourn Airfield. However, CPRE is very concerned indeed by the poor building control, lack
of democratic control of detailed planning decisions, the damage to underground water bodies, increasing
flood risk, lack of engagement with local communities and lack of engagement with local expert and
statutory bodies such as the local Internal Drainage Boards which is occurring as development proceeds at
two of these sites, Northstowe and Waterbeach. This approach to planning is going to lead to disaster for
the planning authorities, for residents and for the custodians of the water resources. Before, any further
permissions are given within these allocations, CPRE considers it absolutely essential that these issues are
addressed and any problems resolved.