Although much of the Greater Cambridge area has a dispersed settlement pattern, the draft plan does not support the 'organic' growth of smaller settlements. To prevent stagnation and the further loss of key local services, a more flexible and tolerant approach is needed towards development in the rural area.
Through the application of tightly drawn settlement boundaries, development is strictly controlled on sites in the 'open countryside'. But it is not logical to treat all sites equally in policy terms. Whilst sites within sensitive valued landscapes and the green belt should receive a high level of protection, the sensitive development of some sites on the edge of a village would cause no significant harm. Such a pragmatic approach is often taken at appeal. For example, rounding off development where there is a defensible physical boundary or allowing a high-quality scheme with extensive landscaping where it would soften an existing harsh area of built form can be acceptable in certain locations.
A carefully worded criteria-based policy which was supportive of organic growth adjacent to existing built up areas should not perpetuate unfettered incremental growth.