This representation has been prepared by Strutt & Parker on behalf of NIAB Trust to support the promotion of land to the East of Redgate Road, Girton as part of the Greater Cambridge First Proposals Consultation 2021.
In September 2021 Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service published the Greater Cambridge Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), which provided an initial assessment of the sites put forward for consideration for allocation as part of the Call for Sites consultations within Greater Cambridge.
This representation provides a response to the ‘First Proposals’ Preferred Options Consultation and has been structured to respond to relevant questions as set out within the First Proposals Consultation. In addition, a detailed assessment is provided in respect of the HELAA Proforma for the site.
The HELAA excludes the land East of Redgate Road site from allocation primarily on the basis of landscape issues, notably that the proposed development would impact the rural character of the surrounding landscape.
The site covers an area of approximately 0.94ha and is able to accommodate 28 dwellings, associated access and landscaping. Additionally, there is an opportunity to provide a new pedestrian/cycleway link over the existing A14 crossover. This new link would provide a sustainable transport link which could even reduce overall pressure on the Strategic Road Network. It is noted that the NIAB Trust has also put forward two other sites at Park Farm (Villa Road and Land West of South Road).
It is considered that several of the assessment criteria, should be re-categorised. It has been demonstrated in the supporting information provided that the allocation of this site would not have a significant adverse impact and should be considered as a suitable, achievable and deliverable site for housing and should therefore be put forward for allocation in the emerging Local Plan.
In support of this report, the following document has been prepared;
• Prospective Site Feasibility Study, produced by pHp architects.

QUESTION: What housing, jobs, facilities or open spaces do you think should be provided in and around these villages?
It is important that a range of housing, jobs and facilities are provided within villages as part of new allocations to allow them to thrive and remain vibrant. NIAB Trust are responsible for the promotion of the land East of Redgate Road, Girton, and have a track record of delivering high quality developments. NIAB Trust are fully committed, to engagement with the GCSPS and Girton Parish Council regarding the mix and type of housing to be delivered on land East of Redgate Road, Girton. The site also has the potential to provide open space to serve the new and wider local community and would trigger contributions towards improvements towards local facilities.

QUESTION: Are there any sites which you think should be developed for housing or business use, which we haven’t got on our map so far?
Yes, Land East of Redgate Road, Girton should be allocated for development and would be a sound allocation as part of the emerging Local Plan. The Land East of Redgate Road, Girton site was promoted originally at Call for Sites stage. We have also demonstrated that the site could be delivered without any adverse impacts on landscape.