3. QUESTION: Do you agree that new development should mainly focus on sites where car travel, and therefore emissions, can be minimised?

3.1 Yes, in principle the proposal to focus development on sites where car travel can be minimised is supported. Consistent with this strategy, it is considered to be very important that some growth is delivered in villages that are located outside of the Green Belt, such as Melbourn. National policy is clear within paragraph 79 of the NPPF that planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where they will support local services.

3.2 The CPIER report (2018), which is referenced as a key document within the evidence base provides a detailed analysis regarding the potential benefits of focusing growth along key transport corridors. The proposed Cambridge South Station proposes significant sustainable transport improvements between Cambridge and Meldreth Station, which is within walking distance to Melbourn.

3.3 In addition, Melbourn, benefits from being a sustainable settlement in its own right. Melbourn is a Minor Rural Centre (as defined within the adopted Local Plan) that is not situated within the Green Belt. It is also benefits from both primary and secondary education facilities and a large range of services, including shops, pubs, restaurants and community facilities.

3.4 One of the 19 new sites being considered for allocation in the local plan is located to the north east of Melbourn (Land to the West of Cambridge Road, 120 housing units). It is considered that Land off Water Lane is in a more sustainable location, being closer to the village centre. Furthermore, the Water Lane site is located further from any listed buildings and the Melbourn Conservation Area than the West of Cambridge Road site, reducing the chance of adverse effect on these heritage assets. Unlike at the Water Lane site, archaeological evaluation has identified significant archaeology of Roman date at the West of Cambridge Road site. This could lead to complications in delivering the site. Given the acute need for housing in the area, it is considered that making multiple allocations at Melbourn could also be a suitable approach to ensure much need housing is delivered in this sustainable settlement.

3.5 Section 3 of the Technical Note (2021) provide a transport assessment on the sustainability of the site in terms of accessibility to local services and facilities. It demonstrates that the site is well located to access the wide range of existing facilities and public transport links not just in Melbourn but also further afield without the need to use a private car.

3.6 For the above reasons, it is considered that additional growth within Melbourn would be consistent with the objectives of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel. Of the sites submitted within Melbourn as part of the Call for Sites process, Land off Water Lane, is considered to be a particularly sustainable and suitable site for development. The site would better integrate into the existing built form and relate to the housing development to the north-east.