Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options

National Space Standards
This proposed policy requires that all dwellings need to be built to national space standards. This requirement is currently set out on in the Adopted Cambridge Local Plan and the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. Whilst this is a current requirement within the plan, there is still the requirement for the authority to justify the inclusion of this policy in the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. The NPP specifically sets out that need and viability need to be evidence. Viability is key with the costs of providing national space standards need to be considered alongside all of the other policy requirements set out in the plan.
M4(2) and M4(3)Standard
This proposed policy sets out that all new homes be built to M4(2) Accesible and Adoptable Dwellings standard. This is a significant increase above the standards set out in the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan which requires 5% of all dwellings to be built to M4(2) standard.
In terms of M4(3) a Wheelchair User Dwellings requires that 5% of dwellings meet this standard. This standard is a current requirement of the Cambridge Local Plan however not a current requirement of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan.

The evidence put forward in the Houisng Needs of Specific Groups 2021 Paper is based iupon demographics and the number of people over 75 years of age and the expected increase in dementia and mobility problems. It is noted that the Houisng Needs paper sets out that within the region there is a slighty lower level of people with long term health problems in the region. An ageing population alone is not a reason alone to require an increase in standards, otherwise these increased standards would be set as standard in Building Regulations.

In line with PPG the following elements need to be evidenced in bringing forward this policy:

- The likely future need for hosung of older and disabled people;
- Size, location, type and quality of dwellings needed to meet specifically evidenced needs (for example retirement hoes, sheltered homes or care homes);
- The accessibility and adaptability of existing housing stock;
- How needs vary across different tenures; and
- The overall impact on viability

This evidence base is lacking at present.

If the above evidence supports the proposed direction of policy and there is a requirement for 100% M4(2) Standards within the policy, there shall be an element of flexibility incorporated into the policy wording in the event that achieving the M4(2) standard is not acheivable.

Amenity Space
The policy sets out that minimum size amenity space standards will be defined. Persimmon Homes would expect this to come forward as part of subsequent local plan consultation.

The direction of the policy sets out that specialist housing will be required as part of the housing mix of the new development and particulary for new settlements and urban extensions.

There is insufficent detail in the wording of this policy direction to understand the implications. Persimmon Homes are of the view that specialist housing should form part of new settlements and urban allcoations with this requirement set out in the associated allocations policy.

The policy direction sets out that 5% self / custom dwellings need to be provided within developments. Persimmon Homes understand that local authorities have a duty to have regard to this register and grant pllanning permission for enough suitable plots to meet the identifed demand. The Topic Paper supporting this policy sets out high level figures and references to experiences of local agents. Persimmon Homes would request that a more detailed evidence base is issued as part of the next local plan consultation to allow a full review as to whether this percentage is justified. Also the local auhtority needs to set out how different approaches in addition to planning policy have been considered.

Whilst the direction of the policy includes a cascade mechanism, Persimmon Homes are of the view that this should be amended to period of 6 months whereby if a plot remains unsold it should revert back to the developer to be delivered as part of the overall scheme. If demand is there for self/ custom build housing a plot would be sold within this timeframe.

It is noted that the policy direction is for Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation to come forward as part of new communities and significant major development sites, standalone allocations and windfalls in suitable locations. It is also noted that the authority are currently undertaking a needs assessment thus the current needs for Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation are not fully known.

Persimmon Homes are of the view that Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation is best provided through standalone Gypsy and Traveller site allocations or through windfall allocations. If there is a requirement for this accommodation to be provided as part of larger developments, Persimmon Homes are of the view this should only relate to the larger developments for new settlements and such requirements should be set out in the allocation policy for that site.

It is imperative that the finds of the Active Travel Toolkit are included within the viability assessment.

Persimmon Homes acknowledge the government’s intentions to include the delivery of electric charging points in new developments. However, it is again important such as with policy CC/NZ that these requirements are addressed through building regulations with nationally set standards.
In addition, the viability does not consider the upgrades to the national grid that would be required as a result.

Further clarification is required on the definition of an energy masterplan and the outcomes of these should be fully considered within any viability assessment.

Persimmon Homes acknowledge the preparation of an Infrastructure Delivery Plan and will comment on this in due course.