Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
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Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Summary of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan
Representation ID: 208211
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local Growth Plan.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy S/GB: The Cambridge Green Belt
Representation ID: 208212
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal. Cambridge South (Site ID is 115146 and the HELAA Site ID is OS214) represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Homes
Representation ID: 208214
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
The Councils are planning to publish an updated Green Belt Study that will consider the impact of grey belt designations for plan-making and decision-making. This will be a key part of the evidence base that should have informed this iteration of the dGCLP and the draft allocations. Instead, its conclusions – which may well be significant – will need to be backfilled to the draft
plan. Any such study must recognise the government’s clear signal that Green Belt boundaries should be re-examined in response to a clear need for development, particularly where the release of land would enable sustainable patterns of development (e.g., locating development adjacent to built up areas and close to well connected train stations) is a valid consideration for those purposes.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy S/GB: The Cambridge Green Belt
Representation ID: 208215
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
It is considered that Cambridge South complies with these criteria and would (under the draft NPPF) therefore not represent inappropriate development in the Green Belt.
Whilst it is against the 2024 version of the NPPF that the dGCLP is being prepared, the draft is already a consideration and will become even more material when it is adopted. Any spatial strategy that involves the consideration of Green Belt land would be remiss not to consider the implications of grey belt and of the draft NPPF’s definition of what would not be inappropriate
development in the Green Belt and the more near-term impact on development management this will have.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
Support
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy S/CBC: Cambridge Biomedical Campus (including Addenbrooke's Hospital)
Representation ID: 208216
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
Strong support is given to this policy. Cambridge Biomedical Campus is a globally significant
hub of research and innovation that has led to tangible improvements to human health and
wellbeing. Its expansion and regeneration deserves full support.
5.24 The potential for Cambridge South to complement and support the expansion of CBC has long
been evident, with housing delivered on Cambridge South intended to support the evolution of
the Campus and to meet the needs of its diverse workforce. Whilst the two sites are now being
promoted separately, that intrinsic relationship between the two sites remains obvious.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy S/GF: Land adjacent to A11 and A1307 at Grange Farm
Representation ID: 208217
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
This draft policy allocates land in the southern rural cluster for 6,000 new homes. Its allocation
is said to be justified by its proximity to the Babraham Research Campus, Granta Park, the
Wellcome Genome Campus and Chesterford Research Park. Clearly, however, the allocation
is located to benefit from the Cambridge South East Transport (‘CSET’) Travel Hub that is to
be located on the far side of the A11, which will provide a high quality connection between the
Site and CBC, and onwards to Cambridge. The GCLP Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Reg 18) sets out that an extension of the CSET Guided
Busway to Grange Farm is expected to cost circa £30m. The IDP does not clearly indicate how
this is to be funded, but it is assumed that the entirety of that cost will fall on the Grange Farm
allocation.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy S/CBN: Cambourne North
Representation ID: 208609
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
This draft policy allocates land to the north of Cambourne to deliver approximately 13,000
homes and 108,000sqm of employment floorspace. It therefore represents a very significant
allocation within the dGCLP. Its deliverability is therefore going to be important for the overall
soundness of the plan at examination but also for avoiding the plan becoming out of date over
its lifetime due to lack of supply. Compared with an allocation adjacent to Cambridge, the proposed allocation risks being more
reliant on private car journeys. Without sustainable transport infrastructure in place from an
early stage, those risks will certainly be realised, missing the opportunity to cultivate a truly
sustainable new settlement and hindering rather than helping the Councils achieve their Vision
for Greater Cambridge.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy H/AH: Affordable housing
Representation ID: 208610
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
Part 2 of the policy sets out very tightly defined expectations for the provision of affordable
housing tenures. The unit mix for Cambridge South is not yet set but the current indication is
that the proposals would diverge from the affordable housing tenure mix shown in the dGCLP.
Given that the government is placing ever greater emphasis on the need to increase the
delivery of social rent housing, it would be perverse for the dGCLP to prevent this. Therefore greater flexibility is needed within the policy to allow for more bespoke
proposals to be favourably considered.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy H/BR: Build to rent homes
Representation ID: 208611
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
Part (c) of this policy requires that a proposed development offers rental tenancies of at least
3 years to all tenants. It is recommended that this component of the policy is removed.
5.40 There is little evidence to suggest that this is necessary or desirable. The Homes Topic Paper
recognises that the demand for this typology is “expected to come from students, academics
and young professionals.” Those are groups that are largely transient and predominantly have
short-term tenancy requirements who would not want to sign up to a 3 year tenancy. Setting a
minimum of 3 years for all tenants could therefore risk making the housing product undesirable
for the exact group whose needs it is aiming to meet.
5.41 Part (d) then requires that the development is professionally managed by a single management
operator and have an agreed Management Plan. Again, this component of the policy is
suggested to be removed.
5.42 For large-scale schemes, it may be impractical and/or undesirable to require a single
management operator for all build to rent units. This should instead be considered on a case
by-case basis through development management.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy GP/HD: Housing density
Representation ID: 208612
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Pigeon Land & LIH
Agent: Quod
It is essential the density of new development is optimised to make the best and most effective
use of the land that is available. Policy GP/HD acknowledges this and the design-led approach
is overall supported but it is unduly constrained to densities ‘that reflect local character and
context....’ This is not the approach that the NPPF takes, which acknowledges that densities
should “take into account… the desirability of maintaining an area’s prevailing character and
setting (including residential gardens), or of promoting regeneration and change.” Part (c) of the policy should be removed. It is essentially repeating the heritage tests that are
already put in place by draft Policy GP/HE and through the balancing exercises set out in
Chapter 16 of the NPPF. Those balancing exercises in turn recognise that there may be some
impact to heritage assets arising from new development to heritage assets and their settings,
but that nonetheless those harms can be found to be acceptable if sufficiently outweighed by
the public benefits the development would deliver. That is a more nuanced exercise that than
set out in Policy GP/HD, which does therefore not need to repeat the point in a more constricted
way.
This submission relates to the submission of Cambridge South (HELAA Ref. OS214). See attached the full representation prepared on behalf of Lands Improvement Holdings and Pigeon Land Ltd to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Executive Summary:
As currently drafted, the plan does not achieve the government’s clearly set ambitions for Greater Cambridge, in which the Greater Cambridge area is foremost in plans for national economic growth. It also misses the specific national policy to support the expansion of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus wit associated housing delivery. The Local Plan as currently drafted does not align with the ambitions set out in the Local Growth Plan which aims for a 15% increase in housing by 2035, increasing to a 54% increase by 2050. Government guidance on Local Growth Plans (July 2025) states that they should be the “guiding star” that provides direction for other relevant plans and strategies which should “align” with the Local
Growth Plan.
The overarching spatial strategy is flawed as it renounces the sustainable and economic benefits of growth at and adjacent to Cambridge based on an out of date understanding of Green Belt policy – and without undertaking a Green Belt appraisal.
Cambridge South represents a unique opportunity to deliver housing to meet a broad range of needs but specifically those of the Biomedical Campus in line with national policy. It is eminently deliverable; unencumbered by existing uses or landownership complications. It’s
clearly defined physical boundaries mean it is a clear grey belt site, which can be planned as a sustainable extension of the city. Sites on the edge of Cambridge have a track record of delivering high quality development. Cambridge South would be the next success story and there are demonstrable exceptional circumstances to justify its release from the Green Belt.
