STRATEGY

Support the vision and aims of the plan. Support the identification of new development sites in proximity to main public transport nodes/corridors to ensure options for alternative travel other than the petrol/diesel car.

Fully support vision and aims. However, under Infrastructure I think there should be emphasis on serving the existing community as clearly there are established deficits , for example new sustainable transport systems to assist known commuters, not purely for future growth eg ‘Plan for transport, water, energy and digital networks; and health, education and cultural facilities; in the right places and built at the right times to serve existing and growing communities.‘

There is inevitably some conflict that arises between meeting the seven currently listed aims. For example, the aim of developing homes on the scale suggested by the First Proposals (over 48 000 new homes by 2041) seems to override other (frankly more important) aims, such as those relating to climate change and biodiversity and green spaces. The vision sets out “a big increase in the quality of life for all our communities”, but development on the scale proposed, and particularly where it impacts on villages (wherein everyone is affected in a significant way by any new development) will undermine this aspect of the vision.

Whilst it is appreciated that the First Proposals appear to try and avoid extensive development in villages, this approach needs to be stated as a much clear and more explicit aim and objective. Not ruining the rural and semi-rural way of life should in by directly supported by an aim of the form suggested. Related to this, but worthy of status as a separate aim is the absolute preservation of the Green Belt, with no erosion of it at all. This policy should be absolutely central to any vision and set of aims, rather than the current watered down version whereby lots of time, effort and energy has clearly been spent analysing whether intrusion into the Green Belt is possible, with the general conclusion being that it is not. Now that this analysis has been undertaken, SCDC can have confidence that an explicit aim of not harming the Green Belt is appropriate and can save itself a lot of time in the future by not having to deal with a vast number of totally irrational and self-serving site proposals being put forward for analysis by wealthy land owners seeking to further line their pockets by selling Green Belt land in their ownership to developers for huge profit.

With this enhancement of focus in some areas and explicit statement of what appear already to be part of the approach adopted, the vision and aims will accurately reflect all that they should.

It is crucial that Greater Cambridge plans for making neighbourhoods conducive to encouraging healthy lifestyles, with good provision for sport and physical activity, including footpaths and cycleways. The emerging Greater Cambridge PPS and Sports Facilities Strategy must identify where new facilities are needed and which existing facilities should be protected. The significant new housing developments must provide on-site facilities such as playing fields, games courts, and opportunities for informal activity, in line with Sport England's Active Design guidance.

We agree with the vision and aims. Development must be relevant to need, mindful of adequate infrastructure and in character with the area

These are the right aims; climate change is the most important. This introductory section should make the time period the plan covers more obvious.

West Wickham Parish Council supports the vision for villages in the Plan.

(Transport) On Page 18 the definition of sustainable development is very welcome but given the importance of sustainability in the document we feel that this section should have greater prominence. There is also a significant infrastructure requirement to deliver the proposed Local Plan, so it is going to be a challenge to deliver this in a sustainable way.
Welcome the emphasis on active and public transport, and planning development at sites where public transport is the natural choice. We would recommend clear reference to ensuring new future development meets LTN 1/20 and other appropriate policies and measures.

Tackling climate change is the top priority for me.

It is considered that for the emerging Local Plan to provide an ambitious and positive approach to climate change and environmental issues, it is necessary to recognise that economic and social factors are required to inform development solutions. The delivery of environmental objectives should not be to the detriment of other elements of sustainable development. In respect of new homes and development of existing communities, it is vital that the new Plan includes sufficient land and sites to meet Greater Cambridge’s needs including housing that is affordable to rent and buy. This will require sites to be identified in the rural areas as well as Cambridge City and ensure that the plan positively addresses the needs of every community in Greater Cambridge.

In general, the Plan’s vision of Greater Cambridge being “a place where a big decrease in our climate impacts comes with a big increase in the quality of everyday life for all our communities” is supported. This is considered to be in accordance with the purpose of the planning system (as defined by the NPPF, which is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. Which, at a high level, can be summarised as “meeting the needs for the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (paragraph 7 of the NPPF).
Paragraph 8 of the NPPF emphasises that achieving sustainable development means that the planning system has three overarching objectives (economic, social and environmental), which are interdependent and should be pursued in mutually supportive ways.
The Greater Cambridge Plan’s aim to plan for enough housing to meet the area’s housing needs, (including affordable housing to rent and buy), and to plan for different homes to suit the needs of different communities; is considered to comply with both the social objective and economic objective. From a social perspective, paragraph 8b of the NPPF makes it clear that to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities it is important to ensure that a sufficient number and range of homes can be provided. NPPF paragraph 8a states that in order to build a strong, responsive and competitive economy, sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support economic growth. Whilst this paragraph does relate to the supply of employment land, we believe that it is also crucial that the planned supply of housing for Greater Cambridge is sufficient to support the area’s considerable economic growth.
The aim of helping Greater Cambridge transition to net zero carbon by 2050 by ensuring development is sited in places that help to limit carbon emissions, and ensuring development is designed to the highest achievable standards for energy and water use is also supported and is considered to be in accordance with the environmental objective of sustainable development (as defined by NPPF paragraph 8c).

Abrdn manages Lion Yard in Cambridge. Abrdn therefore has an active interest in planning policy in Greater Cambridge and has provided comments on the relevant sections and policies in the Local Plan consultation. Abrdn requests to be kept informed on the progress of the Local Plan.

Abrdn supports the overarching vision for Greater Cambridge to be a place where a big decrease in climate impacts comes with a big increase in the quality of everyday life for all communities. Abrdn strongly supports the Great Places aim, in particular the reference to creating a place where people want to live, work and play.
Abrdn also strongly supports the Jobs aim, in particular the encouragement of a flourishing and mixed economy in Greater Cambridge which includes a wide range of jobs.

It is considered that for the emerging Local Plan to provide an ambitious and positive approach to climate change and environmental issues, it is necessary to recognise that economic and social factors are required to inform development solutions. The delivery of environmental objectives should not be to the detriment of other elements of sustainable development. In respect of new homes and development of existing communities, it is vital that the new Plan includes sufficient land and sites to meet Greater Cambridge’s needs including housing that is affordable to rent and buy. This will require sites to be identified in the rural areas as well as Cambridge City and ensure that the plan positively addresses the needs of every community in Greater Cambridge.

We (Phillips Planning Services Ltd) write on behalf of clients promoting land at Hazlewell Court, Bar Road, Lolworth (Site URN 676). The site is being promoted for the development of a new concept hotel with multi-function suites to support flexible working during the week, while accommodating families at the weekends. The hotel will be supported by an Electric Vehicle Charging Hub, and other supporting ancillary welfare services such as restaurant, drive-thru hot-food and convenience goods provision. The site also offers the potential for expansion of the existing businesses at Hazlewell Court. The site is highly accessible and benefits from a footbridge and cycleway across the A14 into Bar Hill.

In our opinion, the vision and aims fail to reflect the importance of tourism and the role it plays within Greater Cambridge, its economy and local employment. The vision and aims need to do more towards highlighting the significance of tourism, meeting the demand for visitor accommodation (both for tourism and employment) and how such developments can support other aspects of a broad economic strategy, adapting to flexible working in the post-COVID era.

Junction 25 of the A14 (at Bar Hill) is an important point outside the City of Cambridge, that can deliver new employment opportunities in a strategic location benefiting from unrivalled access to the highway network, at the entrance to the new settlement of Northstowe and serving the wider hinterland to the north and west of the city. Our clients support the proposals at Slate Hall Farm, Bar Hill (Site URN 236), and believe there to be a synergy between the two proposals, with our client's site being able to offer support to the economic objectives of the neighbouring site.

We would therefore encourage the Council to consider the importance of visitor accommodation in the wider planning strategy, and how this can support business development going forward.

USS owns the Clifton Road Industrial Estate and Coldham’s Road Industrial Estate in Cambridge. USS therefore has an active interest in planning policy in Greater Cambridge and has provided comments on the relevant sections and policies in the Local Plan consultation. USS requests to be kept informed on the progress of the Local Plan.

USS supports the overarching vision for Greater Cambridge to be a place where a big decrease in
climate impacts comes with a big increase in the quality of everyday life for all communities.

USS strongly supports the Great Places aim, in particular the reference to creating a place where
people want to live, work and play.

USS strongly supports the Jobs aim, in particular the encouragement of a flourishing and mixed economy in Greater Cambridge which includes a wide range of jobs.

USS also strongly supports the aim of ensuring enough housing is planned for to meet the area’s needs.

USS supports the wellbeing and social inclusion aim to help people in Greater Cambridge to lead healthier and happier lives, ensuring that everyone benefits from the development of new homes and jobs.

Huntingdonshire District Council consider that the Greater Cambridge vision is commendable as it sets a clear theme which runs through the proposed policy suggestions for the Local Plan. This is especially so in relation to a reduction in climate impacts, minimising carbon emissions, increasing nature, wildlife and green spaces.

These representations are submitted by Pegasus Group on behalf of Clarendon Land and Development Ltd who has land interests in land west of Long Lane, Fowlmere (LPA ref: 40327). We have previously submitted responses to the Call for Sites exercise (March 2019) and Regulation 18 Consultation (February 2020). These representations should be read in conjunction with these previous comments.

Our client supports the broad principles which underpin the stated ‘vision’ and ‘aims’ of the GCLP. Indeed, reducing climate change and minimising carbon emissions are key considerations for the planning system and the wider world. Notwithstanding this in principle support, there is still a need for the GCLP to strike a sustainable balance between focussing on reducing climate change and safeguarding the vitality and vibrancy of existing sustainable villages in South Cambridgeshire.

The ‘vision’ and ‘aims’ of the GCLP are silent on supporting the long-term vitality and vibrancy of rural communities; of which there are many in South Cambridgeshire. The GCLP should encourage proportionate housing growth supported by investment in local infrastructure at established rural sustainable settlements.

The ‘vision’ and ‘aims’ should be amended to make reference to supporting rural communities and to ensure there is sufficient and proportionate growth to ensure they thrive in the future and are not left to stagnate.

We support the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service’s vision to minimise carbon emissions and reduce the reliance on the private car. The spatial area is fortunate to have existing railway infrastructure, particularly in the south and south west of the city of Cambridge which connects the villages into the city and also into London and now beyond to Gatwick and Brighton. These sustainable transport corridors should form strategic areas for growth. However, we believe one corridor for sustainable growth has been neglected to be given adequate consideration and this is the south west corridor connecting villages of Melbourn/Meldreth, Foxton, Shepreth etc into London and Cambridge. This area also benefits from the GCP Melbourn Greenway project which will connect the villages to several transport hubs and railway stations by Active Travel means.

If the Councils’ want to decrease climate impacts and increase the quality of everyday life for all communities, the Shared Planning Service should give greater weight than is currently being considered to the sustainability of existing locations and settlements such as Meldreth/Melbourn, which has the existing sustainable infrastructure. This is a more sustainable, and more deliverable option, than relying on growth around new infrastructure projects which still are to be decided or proven to be deliverable.

Please see attached letter.

The department notes that the plan’s vision focuses on reducing climate impacts while increasing quality of everyday life for communities. New development must minimise carbon emissions and reliance on the private car, create thriving neighbourhoods, increase green space and safeguard heritage and landscapes. We support the strategic aim to provide infrastructure, including educational facilities, in the right places and built at the right time to serve growing communities.

Consistent with paragraph 94 of the National Planning Policy Framework, we recommend that the plan adopts a positive approach to new state-funded education facilities in order to deliver on this strategic aim and the plan’s overall vision. All new schools delivered by DfE will be net zero carbon in operation, they make an invaluable contribution to new and existing communities, and (depending on the type of facility) create additional sports provision which can be made accessible to the wider community. Cambridge Maths School (CMS) in particular will diversify educational opportunities and create jobs, while also delivering on the Local Plan’s environmental objectives. This school represents a significant public sector infrastructure investment in Cambridge, providing free state education to the most talented pupils aspiring to careers in STEM sectors.

Our client is broadly supportive of all seven of the Plan Aims set out at page 21 of the ‘First Proposals’ consultation document. It is our client’s ambition to deliver development across all their sites which pursues the highest standards of design, carbon reduction and environmental sustainability.

Large working estates are a long-standing feature of the rural economy, landscape and community. It is important that any plan recognises the role they currently play but more importantly should provide the appropriate framework for an estate to continue to support and contribute in the longer term, recognising they can contribute to positive change as we adapt to addressing the impacts of climate change and global events such as the pandemic.

The ‘Jobs’ aim and the specific ambition to maintain Greater Cambridge’s ‘global reputation for innovation’ is welcomed and endorsed by our client. In this context it is clear that the opportunity to deliver a word-class biomedical facility at Hall Farm, Church End, Weston Colville will assist in meeting these aims and ambitions. The facility would provide approximately 100 jobs and complement the presence and growth of facilities in the biomedical/research sector already in the area. The manufacturing facility will use the latest technology to manufacture antibodies which will be used in certain specific medications created by the site future tenant. The opportunity to deliver a facility of this significance should be recognised through the preparation of the GCLP.

The ‘Homes’ aim and in particular the focus on the need for affordable housing to meet the needs of communities is also welcomed by our client. Established settlements, such as Weston Green, Weston Colville and West Wratting are capable of accommodating new housing as long as the size of the development is proportionate and delivers significant benefits for the community to enhance the wider sustainability of the settlement.

Visions and Aims
Fully support vision and aims. However, under Infrastructure there should be emphasis on serving the existing community as clearly there are established deficits , for example new sustainable transport systems to assist known  commuters, not purely for future growth eg ‘Plan for transport, water, energy and digital networks; and health, education and cultural facilities; in the right places and built at the right times to serve both our existing and growing communities. ‘

We are in the rural southern cluster and, whilst we believe in progress and the general development strategy, we are very disturbed about our loss of village identity, the destroying of the unique quality of landscape character, of diminishing of the narrow green belt strip separating us from the City and the change of our village design. The proposed site is a meadow which has been undisturbed We do not believe that the proposals constitute ‘exception sites’ and would expect the smaller proposed developments to be built on brown fill sites and not prime agricultural land in the green belt.

I question the assumptions about growth. Growth at this rate is unusual in an advanced economy, and it would not amount to good planning to plan for such growth in a place already suffering from over-rapid expansion.
It also seems unwise to adopt a constant "add-on" approach whereby the city of Cambridge would grow ever larger by the piecemeal addition of new estates. Other urban centres need to be developed with adequate transport links, otherwise Cambridge will become permanently gridlocked.

The plan does not contemplate the significant changes which will result from the pandemic. The growth plan should be recast both to asses revised models and consider brown field sites previously used for offices or retail
There should be a specific review undertaken of the positive and negative impact of the proposed housing development
The plan should commit to create significant and preserved nature corridors from the current edge of the city to the significant rural belt and not adopt an encircling approach

Although I can understand many of the reasons for growing the biomedical campus, I feel strongly that the quality of life of the current and future residents are not being considered seriously. It is unclear whether growth is sustainable e,g. could the infrastructure support such an increase in population. Water supply, surgeries, schools, roads, traffics etc. The impact on the green belt and biodiversity, could be immense.
Of course one would want to reduce traffic flow by car, but good frequent low emission affordable public transport could help to spread population growth and reduce the carbon footprint.

Fully support vision and aims. However, under Infrastructure I think there should be emphasis on serving the existing community as clearly there are established deficits , for example new sustainable transport systems to assist known commuters, not purely for future growth eg ‘Plan for transport, water, energy and digital networks; and health, education and cultural facilities; in the right places and built at the right times to serve both our existing and growing communities. ‘

The vision and Aims need to be realistic and although agree, would question if some parts can be met.

These are excellent aims; I really hope that clear prominence is given to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well being and social inclusion in addressing the other four aims - and that the prominence does not suffer attrition as the overarching aims are translated into actions on the ground

I think Cambridge has reached its maximum growth already. Any more growth will impair the quality of life. It will also be at the expense of levelling up of other areas, which the government promised to level up: the north and the south-west.