Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.

Barrington Parish Council (BPC) is pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the Greater Cambridge (GCP) Local Plan First Proposals (FP).

1. Overall
1.1. BPC supports the FP development strategy in general terms and supports the principles of plan-led, sustainable development that underpin the FP. BP also supports the general themes of responding to climate change, biodiversity and green spaces, well-being and social inclusion, and great places.

1.2. The wording of many of the proposed policies is incomplete and as always, the devil is in the detail - especially regarding Jobs, Homes and Infrastructure which have the greatest potential impact on the quality of the local environment. BPC is of the view that while these issues are obviously central to any Development Plan, mitigating potentially detrimental effects on rural communities in South Cambridgeshire needs to be managed through effective, carefully worded policies in the Plan.

1.3. BPC particularly welcomes the recognition of and need for reinforcement of the distinctive character of South Cambridgeshire villages.

1.4. However, BPC wishes to make some general strategic and some specific comments as follows.

2. Strategic Issues
2.1. The 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire is to be succeeded by a Local Plan for a much wider constituency developed by a Partnership for “Greater Cambridge”. This inevitably creates tensions between the interests of the city and those of the surrounding, primarily rural areas. It has to be acknowledged that development pressures in and from the city of Cambridge have significant effects upon the surrounding areas and not all of these are positive and beneficial.

2.2. The First Proposals also seek to support both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail connection - both of which introduce additional development pressures and significant environmental impacts upon South Cambridgeshire.

2.3. The First Proposals are therefore in a key sense no longer for a “Local” Development Plan but in effect have been transformed into a Regional Development Plan where the local interests and concerns of villages such as Barrington lie at the bottom of the hierarchy of interest and control.

2.4. Policy S/DS. BPC has already placed on record and wishes to re-state its fundamental opposition to both the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework and the proposed East West Rail southern route into Cambridge. BPC has concerns that these may lead to central government-imposed rather than locally-agreed development in South Cambridgeshire which will be highly detrimental to the area.

3. Specific Matters
3.1. Policy S/DS BPC agrees that brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally - agreed not nationally targeted locations. Development “around” the villages is not considered sustainable.

3.2. Policy S/SH. BPC supports the retention of the settlement hierarchy, and the definition of Group Villages should be retained as proposed from the 2018 Local Plan, possibly reinforced with stronger wording to restrict exceptional development of up to 15 dwellings only on brownfield sites.

3.3. Policy S/ JH. BPC has concerns about the notion of “Windfall Development”. Either we have a Development Plan or not – the notion of “unplanned” “windfall” or “opportunistic” development – especially if it were to be determined by officers as opposed to councillors – is not compatible with “plan-led development”. The opening the door to opportunistic applications that run counter to the direction of the Development Plan.

3.4. Policy GP/GB. Similarly, BPC opposes development intrusion into the Green Belt. Development “creep” – even for “nationally significant” development should be resisted.

3.5. Policy S/SRC. BPC is concerned about the definition and implications of the “Rural Southern Cluster” and this requires much more detailed elucidation, explanation and justification.

3.6. Policy WS/CF. BPC believes that Community Healthcare facilities should be prioritised as they have been poorly provided for under the current Plan. Much stronger policy definition is required.

3.7. Policy CC/WE. The FP recognise that availability of water resources is a major issue in Greater Cambridge and that the level of growth has significant constraints with regards to water supply. BPC shares these concerns. Policy should address this issue more comprehensively.

4. The Consultation Process
4.1. BPC is pleased to have the opportunity to engage to the extent that it is able with the FP consultation.

4.2. However, GCP’s consultation on the Local Plan is a convoluted process. The material is voluminous, there are 60 policies and the maps are often difficult to interpret electronically, and this militates against inclusion of the diverse age and socio-economic groups in a rural population. It comes across as an IT driven process designed for an urban sophisticated readership. Further thought needs to be put into reducing the complexity but increasing the inclusion, accessibility, and meaningfulness of this consultation.