This policy aims to group similar settlements into categories that reflect their scale, characteristics, and sustainability. Gladman support the use of a settlement hierarchy, but in line with previous comments regarding the development strategy, do not agree that schemes in Minor Rural Centres should be limited to 30 dwellings and this would not be in keeping with the national policy imperative that seeks to boost significantly the supply of housing. Additional development should be directed across the hierarchy and to villages to support their vitality and future viability, and larger schemes are capable of delivering more affordable housing and significant benefits to local residents.
The NPPF (2021) is clear that development in rural areas should be supported ‘where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities.’ The policy direction does not currently identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, nor does the settlement hierarchy explicitly consider how development in one village may support services in other nearby villages such as is the case with villages such as Meldreth and Melbourn.