QUESTION: We think we should be very limited about the development we allow in villages, with only a few allocated sites in villages, with good public transport connections and local services. Which villages do you think should see new development of any kind?
It is acknowledged that the proposed strategy focuses on locating new development in and around Cambridge City, growing existing new settlements and a small degree in the rural southern clusters. An extremely small number of small to medium sized allocations have been identified with very little new growth proposed in rural communities. This is likely to result in the proposed growth having little impact on housing affordability.
It is worth noting that recently the St Albans Local Plan was withdrawn in November 2020 following a number of serious concerns raised by the Inspectors which included an overreliance on a small number of large strategic allocations (500 dwellings or more, or over 14 ha) at the expense of smaller scale subareas. The Inspectors noted that such sites, provide choice and flexibility in the housing market and secure affordable housing more immediately as advocated in national planning policy. The findings of the Inspector in 2020, in respect of the examination of the Uttlesford Local Plan were very similar and also resulted in the local plan being withdrawn.
As set out above, the current approach to allocating only a very limited number of larger sites is not considered to be sound in its current form. In particular, it is considered that additional growth should be provided within the most sustainable villages, such as Girton.
It is considered that the provision for increasing the range of sites modestly to include smaller and medium sites in the rural area would provide significant benefits. For example, they could be delivered more quickly without requiring additional infrastructure, provide choice and flexibility in the housing market and securing affordable housing more immediately. This is a point recognised by the Inspector that examined the 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire as referenced within paragraph 31 of the report:
“In order to arrive at a sound strategy, we consider that as a primary consideration, the Council would need to allocate more small and medium sized sites that could deliver homes in the short to medium term and help to bolster the 5-year HLS, until the Garden Communities begin to deliver housing. This would have the benefit of providing flexibility and choice in the market and the earlier provision of more affordable housing” (paragraph 114).
It is not clear why the Shared Planning Service have deviated from a clear recommendation provided by the Planning Inspectorate.
However, it is also important to acknowledge the employment sites/areas in Girton which will benefit from increased housing provision. The additional housing will allow people to live closer to work thus reducing car travel and increase employment opportunities. Additional housing would also contribute towards the local economy through spending on local provisions.