Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

Vistry support this policy, which sets out housing mix as a series of recommendations expressed as a range, rather than as fixed requirements. This provides an appropriate level of flexibility, allowing development proposals to respond to changing market conditions and housing needs over the plan period, while still supporting the delivery of a balanced mix of homes.
The implementation of this policy relies on the allocation of a sufficient number of sites across a range of sizes, locations and settlement types including the allocation of an appropriate proportion of small, medium to large scale sites to enable the delivery of a broad mix of tenures and dwelling types, including affordable housing, within the plan period.

Vistry support the principle of the policy. It is important that the policy is applied with sufficient flexibility to respond to site-specific circumstances, particularly where the rigid application of minimum standards may not be achievable without undermining deliverability or viability in certain locations.
Where the policy refers to the Government’s Technical Housing Standards – Nationally Described Space Standard (2015), it is essential that these requirements are fully reflected within viability and site capacity assessments that underpin site allocations and housing numbers.
Similarly, paragraph 4 of the policy states that “developments must meet or exceed the following private external amenity space standards”. Vistry consider that these requirements should also be tested through viability and capacity assessments, and applied flexibly where justified, to ensure that high quality development can be delivered without placing unnecessary constraints on the effective use of land.

Vistry support the objective of the policy. However, concern is raised regarding the requirement that “unallocated strategic sites of 1,000 dwellings or more will be expected to provide at least 10% of homes as specialist housing”, alongside the additional criteria set out within the policy.
Whilst the principle of encouraging specialist housing on larger sites is understood, Vistry consider that the policy, as currently worded, risks having unintended consequences for scheme viability and deliverability.

Vistry Strategic Land an interest in Land to the west of Land at Highfields (phase 2), know as Phase 3. Vistry Strategic Land support the allocation of Phase 2 (Policy S/RRA/H) and have commented accordingly. We further support the allocation of the land and was promoted in the Council’s ‘call for sites’ process in 2019’. It has been assigned reference is 40011 (Land east side of Highfields Road, Highfields, Caldecote, CB23 7ZA) in the Council’s assessment of the sites SHLAA document. Site 40011 would form an additional phase to the draft allocation S/RRA/H providing additional homes and green infrastructure. Phase 3 would be within close proximity to the facilities in Highfields-Caldecote and would be accessible on foot or bicycle. Permeable links through the site would facilitate and encourage active means of travel.
Access to/from Highfields Road could be taken through phases 1 and 2 and would provide suitable and safe means of accessing Phase 3.

Policy S/CBN: Cambourne North (Part 1)
Vistry welcome the inclusion of Policy S/CBN: Cambourne North within the draft plan.

We support the strategic approach to delivering balanced growth by aligning new homes with sustainable employment opportunities, reducing reliance on private car travel, and prioritising sustainable transport modes. The policy’s focus on low‑carbon development and achieving biodiversity net gain is also strongly supported, reflecting key national policy objectives.

Policy S/CBN: Cambourne North (Part 2 – Integration)
Vistry support the principle of development at Cambourne North. Successful delivery will depend on strong integration with West Cambourne, particularly through high‑quality pedestrian, cycle and public transport links. We are committed to working proactively with the Council and key stakeholders to ensure these connections are well‑positioned, deliverable, and aligned with both the existing movement network in West Cambourne and the emerging masterplan. A coordinated, whole‑place approach to connectivity will be essential to supporting sustainable travel, enabling social cohesion, and achieving long‑term placemaking objectives.

Policy S/CB: Cambourne
Vistry supports Policy S/CB: Cambourne, which establishes a framework for guiding future development in the town.

Cambourne is appropriately identified as a strategic growth location, supported by major planned improvements to transport infrastructure across road, rail and public transport corridors. This positions it well to help meet Greater Cambridge’s significant future housing needs as set out in the draft plan.

We welcome the policy’s comprehensive focus on linking new development with the existing settlement. Its emphasis on coordinated design, timely infrastructure delivery and strong placemaking principles will ensure that growth delivers benefits for both current and future communities in Cambourne.

To aid effective implementation, we encourage the Local Planning Authority to provide clear guidance on phasing and infrastructure delivery to ensure transport, community facilities, and supporting infrastructure come forward in a timely manner.

Vistry requests that the policy is retained and strengthened as the plan progresses through subsequent stages, and we welcome early and ongoing engagement with planning officers.

This submission relates to Land at Fen Ditton (HELAA Ref. 47647 and HELAA Ref. 200770).

We write of behalf of our client, Vistry, to submit representations to the GCLP Regulation 18 Consultation on the Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan.

To support the submission, please find attached the following documents:
• Land at Fen Ditton – GCLP Regulation 18 Representations – Vistry & Quy Estate.
• Appendix 1 – Vision Document
• Appendix 2 – Landscape and Visual Advice Note & Initial Green Belt Review
• Appendix 3 – Review of the Sustainability Performance of Fen Ditton

I would be grateful if you could please confirm safe receipt of this email and its submission to the consultation.

This submission relates to Land at Fen Ditton (HELAA Ref. 47647 and HELAA Ref. 200770).

We write of behalf of our client, Vistry, to submit representations to the GCLP Regulation 18 Consultation on the Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan.

To support the submission, please find attached the following documents:
• Land at Fen Ditton – GCLP Regulation 18 Representations – Vistry & Quy Estate.
• Appendix 1 – Vision Document
• Appendix 2 – Landscape and Visual Advice Note & Initial Green Belt Review
• Appendix 3 – Review of the Sustainability Performance of Fen Ditton

I would be grateful if you could please confirm safe receipt of this email and its submission to the consultation.

Vistry and The Quy Estate contend that the Local Plan should be more ambitious in terms of job growth, targeting the creation of 90,900 jobs rather than the 73,300 proposed at draft Policy S/JH. It should equally plan to meet what the EHNU reports to be the associated need for circa 2,829 homes per annum, surpassing what should be viewed as only the ‘minimum’ need suggested by the standard method (2,295dpa).

This submission relates to Land at Fen Ditton (HELAA Ref. 47647 and HELAA Ref. 200770).

We write of behalf of our client, Vistry, to submit representations to the GCLP Regulation 18 Consultation on the Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan.

To support the submission, please find attached the following documents:
• Land at Fen Ditton – GCLP Regulation 18 Representations – Vistry & Quy Estate.
• Appendix 1 – Vision Document
• Appendix 2 – Landscape and Visual Advice Note & Initial Green Belt Review
• Appendix 3 – Review of the Sustainability Performance of Fen Ditton

I would be grateful if you could please confirm safe receipt of this email and its submission to the consultation.

This submission relates to Land at Fen Ditton (HELAA Ref. 47647 and HELAA Ref. 200770).

We write of behalf of our client, Vistry, to submit representations to the GCLP Regulation 18 Consultation on the Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan.

To support the submission, please find attached the following documents:
• Land at Fen Ditton – GCLP Regulation 18 Representations – Vistry & Quy Estate.
• Appendix 1 – Vision Document
• Appendix 2 – Landscape and Visual Advice Note & Initial Green Belt Review
• Appendix 3 – Review of the Sustainability Performance of Fen Ditton

I would be grateful if you could please confirm safe receipt of this email and its submission to the consultation.

This submission relates to Land at Fen Ditton (HELAA Ref. 47647 and HELAA Ref. 200770).

We write of behalf of our client, Vistry, to submit representations to the GCLP Regulation 18 Consultation on the Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan.

To support the submission, please find attached the following documents:
• Land at Fen Ditton – GCLP Regulation 18 Representations – Vistry & Quy Estate.
• Appendix 1 – Vision Document
• Appendix 2 – Landscape and Visual Advice Note & Initial Green Belt Review
• Appendix 3 – Review of the Sustainability Performance of Fen Ditton

I would be grateful if you could please confirm safe receipt of this email and its submission to the consultation.