QUESTION: Do you agree that new development should mainly focus on sites where car travel, and therefore emissions, can be minimised?
Yes, in principle the proposal to focus development on sites where car travel can be minimised is supported. National policy is clear within paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where they will support local services. The updated NPPF (2021), also provides additional emphases on the suitability of providing significant extensions to villages, provided that they are well located and designed.
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.
The site at Redgate Road is located in a sustainable area, with the development not overly reliant on car travel, with many public transport options easily accessible. Girton is a Minor Rural Centre (as defined within the adopted Local Plan) which benefits from both Girton Glebe Primary School and Girton Nursey and Pre-School, and a large range of facilities, including shops, pubs, restaurants and community facilities.
The release of the site from the Green Belt would facilitate the creation of a cycleway/footway that could link into the Darwin Green development to the south, on the opposite side of the A14. It is proposed that as part of any development of the site, of any size, a cycleway/footway route connecting Girton to Cambridge to the south would be incorporated and provide an improved linkage over the A14 and directly to the existing cycle and pedestrian links within Cambridge. This would further encourage a shift away from car use and towards more sustainable modes of transport.
It is considered that this limited additional growth within Girton would be consistent with the objectives of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel. The site would easily integrate into the existing built form of the settlement and relate to the housing development to the west.