The widespread promotion of Neighbourhood Plans (page 24) is likely to act as a constraint on development in the rural area. Research on the progress and effectiveness of neighbourhood plans found that 55% of the draft plans published for consultation have 'protectionist' agendas and many are openly anti-development. Therefore, there is a likelihood that this agenda will create inevitable conflicts between the national aim to significantly boost housebuilding and local community NIMBYism. The idea of 'top down' housing targets being set by the local authority may also dissuade some areas from engaging with the neighbourhood planning process altogether.
The landowner is supportive of the Councils' decision to plan for higher levels of growth than the standard method, though it is disappointing that the Council have decided to base their strategy on the medium rather that the higher growth scenario. The Greater Cambridge economy is dynamic and does not readily align with national or regional forecasts for jobs growth. It has a world-renowned life sciences cluster which has the potential to drive growth beyond typical regional or national rates.
We would strongly advise the Greater Cambridge Partnership to ensure that their objectively assessed housing targets are more aligned with the higher jobs growth aspirations. An indicative calculation based on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review suggests that, if the jobs growth targets are to be achieved, around 2,900 homes a year would need to be built in Greater Cambridge - an indicative total of 66,900 homes over 2020-2041.
As set out in the Government's most recent consultation document, the OxCam Arc has the potential to be one of 'the most prosperous, innovative and sustainable economic areas in the world'. However, this transformational growth will only be achieved if local authorities make asserted efforts to provide the residential capacity needed to support sustainable growth across the region. On this basis, we would strongly urge the Council to plan for the higher growth scenario, which is more closely aligned with past growth rates in the Greater Cambridge area.