Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

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Comment

Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

Policy S/C/NCA: North Cambridge Academy, 108, Arbury Road

Representation ID: 202147

Received: 27/01/2026

Respondent: Meridian Trust

Agent: LSA Planning

Representation Summary:

The respondent supports the principle of mixed-use development for approximately 150 dwellings and sports facilities but seeks clarity on the draft allocation proposals map. The outlined site boundary appears to coincide with the respondent's original submission, but the designation of Protected Open Space over a significant portion of the site raises concerns about flexibility for development. The design of sports facilities should consider safeguarding measures for pupils and ensure functionality for community use outside school hours. The respondent highlights the need for careful consideration of pedestrian and vehicle access related to the sports facilities and residential development.

There is a request for flexibility in the overall site allocation to achieve an optimal layout for the mixed-use development, particularly concerning the northern part currently designated as open space. The respondent requests the removal of the open space designation from the northern part of the site to facilitate flexibility for the development.

Full text:

Policy S/C/NCA: North Cambridge Academy, 108, Arbury Road, Cambridge
We support the principle of this policy that seeks a mixed-use development for approximately 150 dwellings and sports facilities. However, we seek clarity on the draft allocation proposals map.
The overall site boundary that is outlined in black appears to coincide with our original submission that outlined the site in red. It would appear that the entire site within the black line as shown above, is shaded pink and then part of the overall site allocation is overlain with green hatching that designates this area as Protected Open Space. If correct, this latter designation forms the majority of the overall allocation. The policy aims to create a sports hub with a range of new facilities that would be used by the pupils during the school day and outside of these hours, the facilities would be accessible to the public along with the construction of up to 150 new homes. The land uses within the allocation need to be carefully considered to ensure a comprehensive approach can be taken moving forward. The sports facilities need to be designed in a manner that they will function with the existing school in respect of safeguarding and security measures for pupils and work effectively outside of school hours for the community. Care will be needed to ensure appropriate pedestrian and vehicle access can be provided along with other associated works for these facilities and the residential development.
The policy clearly sets out what is expected to be delivered at points 1a and b in terms of sports facilities, but the current land use designations reduce the flexibility of where these facilities and the housing could be located. The importance of integrating the entire mixed-use development is recognized within the supporting information where there is reference to the housing development and the need for careful design to “mitigate noise from the two adjacent schools, ensure no loss of privacy to those using the school facilities throughout the day and evening…..”
We therefore request that there is flexibility within the overall site allocation to ensure that when the detailed design moves forward, the optimum layout for the entire mixed-use development can be achieved. This relates in particular to the northern part of the site that is currently designated as open space. The policy itself is explicit in terms of what the allocation needs to deliver and we request that the open space designation is removed from this northern part of the site.

Attachments:

Comment

Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

Policy BG/PO: Protecting open spaces

Representation ID: 206130

Received: 27/01/2026

Respondent: Meridian Trust

Agent: LSA Planning

Representation Summary:

A significant part of the land allocated under Policy S/C/NCA: North Cambridge Academy appears to have been designated as protected open space. This designation, in particular with regard to the land to the north of the site, could prejudice a successful integrated mixed use development coming forward in a manner that would achieve a high quality development for residents, the school and the community. We therefore request as a minimum, the land to the north of the allocation is removed from the designation as protected open space. The detailed wording of Policy S/C/NCA itself, will ensure the necessary protection but allow flexibility within the site for the new development.

Full text:

Policy S/C/NCA: North Cambridge Academy, 108, Arbury Road, Cambridge
We support the principle of this policy that seeks a mixed-use development for approximately 150 dwellings and sports facilities. However, we seek clarity on the draft allocation proposals map.
The overall site boundary that is outlined in black appears to coincide with our original submission that outlined the site in red. It would appear that the entire site within the black line as shown above, is shaded pink and then part of the overall site allocation is overlain with green hatching that designates this area as Protected Open Space. If correct, this latter designation forms the majority of the overall allocation. The policy aims to create a sports hub with a range of new facilities that would be used by the pupils during the school day and outside of these hours, the facilities would be accessible to the public along with the construction of up to 150 new homes. The land uses within the allocation need to be carefully considered to ensure a comprehensive approach can be taken moving forward. The sports facilities need to be designed in a manner that they will function with the existing school in respect of safeguarding and security measures for pupils and work effectively outside of school hours for the community. Care will be needed to ensure appropriate pedestrian and vehicle access can be provided along with other associated works for these facilities and the residential development.
The policy clearly sets out what is expected to be delivered at points 1a and b in terms of sports facilities, but the current land use designations reduce the flexibility of where these facilities and the housing could be located. The importance of integrating the entire mixed-use development is recognized within the supporting information where there is reference to the housing development and the need for careful design to “mitigate noise from the two adjacent schools, ensure no loss of privacy to those using the school facilities throughout the day and evening…..”
We therefore request that there is flexibility within the overall site allocation to ensure that when the detailed design moves forward, the optimum layout for the entire mixed-use development can be achieved. This relates in particular to the northern part of the site that is currently designated as open space. The policy itself is explicit in terms of what the allocation needs to deliver and we request that the open space designation is removed from this northern part of the site.

Attachments:

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