Under this policy the Council set out a settlement hierarchy as follows:
• Cambridge
• Town
• Rural Centre
• Minor Rural Centre
• Group Village
• Infill Village.
This hierarchy is essentially the same as the adopted hierarchy in the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan (2018), with the addition of Cambridge and Town.
Within the First Proposals, Fen Ditton is identified as a Group Village. Other than some minor amendments to specific settlements, the hierarchy is largely based on the adopted policy position. The adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan was supported by the Village Classification Report (2012). At this stage it appears that no similar assessment has been prepared to support the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan. It is considered that an updated assessment must be undertaken to support the emerging Plan and to ensure it is both justified and effective.
In undertaking the revised assessment it will be important to consider both the existing services and facilities which are available as well as those proposed either through wider commitments or through potential allocations themselves. Broader connectivity opportunities should also be considered. For instance, Fen Ditton benefits from its strong connectivity and proximity to Cambridge and wider transport links and this should be taken account of and recognised. The site will also benefit from its proximity to the North East Cambridge development and the sustainability measures it will introduce. It is notable that the site is comparable in its proximity to Cambridge to some of the proposed urban extensions to Cambridge. We consider the suitability and sustainability of Fen Ditton to accommodate additional growth in Section Four of this Report and therefore do not repeat these considerations here.