Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 205240

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridge Realty Limited

Agent: Mr Louis Earle-Davis

In principle, this policy approach is supported given the Plan is attempting to address its objectively assessed
need for employment opportunities and floorspace. However, the draft Local Plan should demonstrate how the
vision-led test of the NPPF has been achieved, specifically the need to provide a vision for at least 30 years,
and not just the Plan period to 2045. It is our client’s view that the Proposed Policy, referring to the provision
of 73,300 additional jobs has the potential to inadvertently inhibit investment and constrain employment land.
It is our client’s representation that then provision of 73,300 additional jobs should be set out as a minimum
requirement, and the Plan should go further in its vision to deliver over and above its objectively assessed
need to build in flexibility and robustness. This should include the identification of suitable locations for
employment growth to accommodate a flexible approach.
In addition to the above, within the EHEU prepared as part of the evidence base to support of the emerging
Local Plan, it is stated that the 73,248 jobs required in Greater Cambridge through to 2045 is generated using
the Standard Method for housing. Paragraph 62 of the NPPF is clear that the standard method determines the
minimum number of homes needed. It can therefore be reasonably assumed that the provision of 73,300 jobs
across the Plan period is a minimum requirement, and the Council should be making provisions to deliver
above this need, specifically the need to provide a vision for at least 30 years, to ensure the Plan is positively
prepared

Comment

Representation ID: 206949

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridge Realty Limited

Agent: Mr Louis Earle-Davis

Considering the above, it is evident that the Policy direction facilitates the ability of Rural Centres and Minor
Rural Centres to meet objectively assessed needs for jobs. It should be noted that the Site is strategically
located between a Rural Centre and a Minor Rural Centre, with good access to the nearby Milton Park and
Ride and therefore represents a viable site to accommodate the development requirements of the Plan period.
Our client is broadly supportive of the proposed policy and its underlying principles, however as noted believes
that the provision of 73,300 additional jobs should be more aspirational and align closer with the vision-led test
of the NPPF. Accordingly, we consider that Policy S/DS: Development Strategy should be positively prepared
and recognise longer term targets for additional jobs and preferred development areas.
Recognising these aspirational targets with an amended draft of Policy S/DS which includes reference to
forthcoming development in suitably sustainable locations ensure that the Council’s approach remains forwardlooking,
avoids inadvertently constraining employment land within the Greater Cambridge Local Plan area,
and is consistent with wider national planning policy objectives.

Comment

Representation ID: 206950

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridge Realty Limited

Agent: Mr Louis Earle-Davis

Summary: Designate Evolution Business Park and the adjacent western parcel as an Existing Employment Area for further commercial development. As mentioned previously within these representations, in order for the draft Plan to be positively prepared, the
Council should be addressing its employment need through the identification of suitable land across the Plan
period as a minimum and should plan in exceedance of this minimum requirement to demonstrate flexibility.
To ensure that the Council not only meets this minimum need, but is also able to respond to evolving need,
additional land should be identified to accommodate growth. To help achieve this, the Council should identify
additional sites as Established Employment Areas, and especially those that relate well the settlement
hierarchy for directing growth and that already make a strong contribution to employment within the area.
Therefore it is requested the Evolution Business Park, including the adjacent parcel of land that is suitable to
accommodate expansion, is included within the list of Established Employment Areas. We commend the
Council’s approach to supporting the rural economy, but Policy J/NE that seeks to facilitate this should be
reconsidered to ensure that rural business is truly afforded the conditions by which to grow and evolve in
response to an ever-changing economic climate.

Comment

Representation ID: 206951

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridge Realty Limited

Agent: Mr Louis Earle-Davis

These representations set out the Site’s suitability to contribute to Greater Cambridge’s identified employment
need and its recognition as an Established Employment Area as such. To realise the Site’s potential to expand
its employment generating capabilities as an Established Employment Area, it should also be released from
the Cambridge Green Belt, especially as it comprises previously developed land. Given the Site’s existing built
form, it does not make a positive contribution to the purposes of the Cambridge Green Belt and should duly
be released to facilitate future development of the Business Park.
As set out within Paragraph 1443 of the NPPF, the Green Belt serves five purposes. Each purpose is set out
below, alongside an analysis of Site’s contribution to each that supports its release.

Comment

Representation ID: 206953

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridge Realty Limited

Agent: Mr Louis Earle-Davis

We request that we are added to the Local Plan consultation database and are kept up to date with the
emerging Local Plan so that we can continue to positively engage in the evolution of the Local Plan. We also
reserve our position to comment on the next stage of the Plan formulation and appear at the Examination in
Public Hearing Sessions.
We trust that these comments are useful at this stage. We reserve the right to comment on further rounds of
consultation.