I am writing in regard to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. I would be grateful if this letter could be accepted as a response to the ongoing consultation, due to close on December 13th.

As MP for South East Cambridgeshire, I support growth and development in our region. Of course, we need more homes to be built in the right places, and unfortunately there are parts of our region where the cost of buying or renting a home is many multiples of local household income. It is therefore right that the local authorities investigate ways to provide sustainable growth during the period of the Local Plan (up to 2041). However, I believe that this growth needs to be delivered in a sustainable fashion which does not diminish the rural character of Cambridgeshire and my constituency of South East Cambridgeshire.

According to figures released by the National House Building Council, South East Cambridgeshire has already seen more than double the UK constituency average for new homes built, with 467 new registrations in 2021 so far compared to an average of
180. I am therefore keen to ensure that further growth plans do not negatively impact on a number of villages and residents in my constituency, many of whom, have already faced significant developments in recent years.

As I understand it, Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils through their Greater Cambridge Local Plan are proposing to build close to 49,000 new homes (including a 10% buffer) up to 2041. This is beyond the medium growth outlined in the initial evidence base findings and development strategy options assessments,rublished in November 2020, and beyond the Government's minimum assessment o what is required locally.

I am supportive of sustainable growth, which is matched with the transport, power, broadband and water requirements of our region. Whilst I welcome the focus on new settlements within the Local Plan as opposed to dispersing homes amongst small villages in my constituency, I am concerned about the level of growth that has been outlined. I also believe it is imperative that local leaders identify and support the infrastructure requirements that our regions' already higher than average housing growth demands.

As part of this consultation, I therefore encourage the local authorities, especially South Cambridgeshire District Council not to seek to increase housebuilding levels beyond the government minimum target