POLICY S/JH: NEW JOBS AND HOMES
4.1 The emerging plan shows a requirement to provide 44,400 dwellings over the plan period of 2020-2041, which represents development at 2,114 dwellings per annum.

4.2 It is noted that the proposed housing number exceeds what would usually be required as a minimum figure through the standard methodology calculation. Using the December 2020 formula, this would result in 1,743 dwellings per annum. This stance taken by the Greater Cambridge Planning Service will assist in addressing concerns regarding affordability and will also cater for increased demand for dwellings for skilled workers given employment growth in the area.

4.3 However, it is not considered that the housing numbers go far enough to cater for growth in the area. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) Report September 2018 confirms that growth in the employment sector has not been matched by proportionate house building. The result has been large increases in house prices.

4.4 Whilst it is acknowledged the CPIER report was published pre-Covid, the concepts and ideas remain pertinent as the economy recovers. Greater Cambridge is located within the key economic corridors of the Oxford – Cambridge arc, the London – Stansted - Cambridge corridor and the Cambridge – Norwich tech corridor. The Oxford – Cambridge arc seeks to create a strategic vision corridor between the University cities. It seeks to provide the infrastructure projects of East-West Rail and the Cambridge to Milton Keynes Expressway. At the eastern end of the arc, the driver is the City of Cambridge and its need for residential development to complement its skilled workforce.

4.5 The CPIER report provides a number of Key Recommendations to assist with growth in the area. Key Recommendation #5 of the CPIER Final Report September 2018 states: “There should be a review of housing requirements based on the potential for higher growth in employment than currently forecast by the EEFM. This review should take into account the continuing dialogue between ONS and the Centre for Business Research on employment numbers as well as the impact of the Cambridge-Milton KeynesOxford Arc. This should be used to set new targets which Policy S/JH: New Jobs and Homes are likely to be higher than those already set – at the very least adding on accumulated backlog.”

4.6 The CPIER concludes that a target of 66,700 dwellings should be planned for in order to make the best of the opportunities available. It is therefore considered that the emerging Local Plan should increase its housing targets accordingly. Not only will this assist in combating affordability, it will also provide much needed affordable housing.

4.7 Martin Grant Homes reserves the right to further assess provision of housing need through the next stages of the Local Plan production.