Whilst the HBF understands that the Council wishes to improve opportunities for those living in the Greater Cambridge area to enter the construction industry it is not clear how this is considered to be justified against the tests set out in paragraph 57 of the NPPF and regulation 122 of the CIL Regulations. Planning obligations must be necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms and the necessary evidence must be provided to support this policy.

As the Council note the construction industry already contribute to improving skills and opportunities through CITB, who are leading a variety of programmes to develop skills through the levy’s paid by the construction industry and provide significant benefits in terms of local funding and employment opportunities. Whilst we recognise that the Council want to support local businesses get access to opportunities it is important to recognise that commercial interests in ensuring the most appropriate supplier in terms of skills and costs will be the priority for businesses and should not be compromised. Therefore, whilst we recognise that the Council may want to encourage such activities this should be left to the developer to decide the most effective approach to delivering their scheme.