Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
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Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy CC/FM: Managing flood risk
Representation ID: 202479
Received: 28/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
I have no idea if this is the right place to put this comment but ... whose job is it to deal with the fact that, every time it rains for more than an hour or two, the street drains around the corner become so overwhelmed that an enormous puddle grows. Yesterday (27 January), this familiar puddle spread for up to 10m in length and over 1m in width, overmounting the pavement. This threatened to engulf the property at the corner. Which Policy should make clear that this is also a flood risk that SOMEBODY should deal with?
I have no idea if this is the right place to put this comment but ... whose job is it to deal with the fact that, every time it rains for more than an hour or two, the street drains around the corner become so overwhelmed that an enormous puddle grows. Yesterday (27 January), this familiar puddle spread for up to 10m in length and over 1m in width, overmounting the pavement. This threatened to engulf the property at the corner. Which Policy should make clear that this is also a flood risk that SOMEBODY should deal with?
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy CC/CE: Supporting a circular economy and sustainable resource use
Representation ID: 202485
Received: 28/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
The best example of the Circular Economy that I know is the thriving human relationship between the traders on Cambridge Central Market and local residents (especially those who shop there via bicycle). Or the Cambridge Food Hub, that shares our food that might otherwise be wasted to those who need it most. Or CamLETS (look it up), which enables everyone to participate economically. But these crucial, vital elements of the real-world local economy are nowhere to be seen in this high falutin’, overly abstract policy. Revise, and be sure to put in more of what matters to real people. Please.
The best example of the Circular Economy that I know is the thriving human relationship between the traders on Cambridge Central Market and local residents (especially those who shop there via bicycle). Or the Cambridge Food Hub, that shares our food that might otherwise be wasted to those who need it most. Or CamLETS (look it up), which enables everyone to participate economically. But these crucial, vital elements of the real-world local economy are nowhere to be seen in this high falutin’, overly abstract policy. Revise, and be sure to put in more of what matters to real people. Please.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy CC/CS: Supporting land-based carbon sequestration and carbon sinks
Representation ID: 202488
Received: 28/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
✅2, 4 Support. – ✅3. “Any potential harm to peat soils associated with a development proposal must be reduced to the minimum possible level.” Strongly support. – ✅5. Strongly support.
✅2, 4 Support. – ✅3. “Any potential harm to peat soils associated with a development proposal must be reduced to the minimum possible level.” Strongly support. – ✅5. Strongly support.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy BG/RC: River corridors
Representation ID: 202490
Received: 28/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
✅1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Strongly support (all four of these).
✅1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Strongly support (all four of these).
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy WS/CF: Community, sports, and leisure facilities
Representation ID: 202519
Received: 28/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
✅1a "local need" strongly support; ✅1b "appropriate" strongly support; ✅a "complement" strongly support; ✅2b "not have a negative impact" very strongly support; ❌2c lack of requirement for public transportation (as in 2018CLP Policy 73); ✅4 support; ✅5 support. Note that this proposed Policy would be thoroughly breached by the current (controversial and extremely badly received) Planning Applications to redevelop the essential central Cambridge Market Square… effectively changing it into an outdoor cafe/entertainment space catering for tourists and students instead of continuing to provide a circular-economy-rich food-, service- and employment-hub for local residents, craftspeople and farmers.
✅1a "local need" strongly support; ✅1b "appropriate" strongly support; ✅a "complement" strongly support; ✅2b "not have a negative impact" very strongly support; ❌2c lack of requirement for public transportation (as in 2018CLP Policy 73); ✅4 support; ✅5 support. Note that this proposed Policy would be thoroughly breached by the current (controversial and extremely badly received) Planning Applications to redevelop the essential central Cambridge Market Square… effectively changing it into an outdoor cafe/entertainment space catering for tourists and students instead of continuing to provide a circular-economy-rich food-, service- and employment-hub for local residents, craftspeople and farmers.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy WS/CH: Cultural and creative hubs
Representation ID: 202527
Received: 28/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
Should insert into this policy that genuine efforts should always be made to reach out to, engage with, enrich and support activities that are already underway (or that would be valuable if they *were* underway) at local schools, diverse local community centres, youth groups, clubs, social clubs of all kinds - including for older residents or those with disabilities, and other elements of the community across the generations. Wouldn't it be good to try to build community - not just supplant it with something new?
Should insert into this policy that genuine efforts should always be made to reach out to, engage with, enrich and support activities that are already underway (or that would be valuable if they *were* underway) at local schools, diverse local community centres, youth groups, clubs, social clubs of all kinds - including for older residents or those with disabilities, and other elements of the community across the generations. Wouldn't it be good to try to build community - not just supplant it with something new?
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy S/C/SMS: Garages between 20 St. Matthews Street and Blue Moon Public House, Cambridge
Representation ID: 202532
Received: 28/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
Does this tiny site really have capacity for “approximately 12 homes”? During any development great care will need to be taken for the vulnerable users of the Cherry Trees (opposite), plus the many passing schoolchildren and cyclists on all sides. How could surplus rainwater be captured to irrigate the Maple tree?
❌1a Any future development must do much more than simply “retain and incorporate the existing mature tree”: it must ensure the tree’s RPA (Root Protection Area) is entirely undamaged, and that the space under and around that important tree remains fully available for future public enjoyment. – ✅1b,c Support.
Does this tiny site really have capacity for “approximately 12 homes”? During any development great care will need to be taken for the vulnerable users of the Cherry Trees (opposite), plus the many passing schoolchildren and cyclists on all sides. How could surplus rainwater be captured to irrigate the Maple tree?
❌1a Any future development must do much more than simply “retain and incorporate the existing mature tree”: it must ensure the tree’s RPA (Root Protection Area) is entirely undamaged, and that the space under and around that important tree remains fully available for future public enjoyment. – ✅1b,c Support.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy GP/SF: Shopfronts
Representation ID: 202537
Received: 28/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
Can anything be done in this Local Plan to reduce (or, better still, eliminate) the use of flashing, bright illuminated displays. These are a distraction for those concentrating on street-safety/surveillance (for themselves, or for children or other vulnerable individuals in their care). They can also be distressing (if not actually downright dangerous) for those with some autistic, epileptic and other neurological or neurodiverse characteristics. This request also applies to bus-stops, and to stand-alone signage on pavements and in 'pedestrianised' areas.
Can anything be done in this Local Plan to reduce (or, better still, eliminate) the use of flashing, bright illuminated displays. These are a distraction for those concentrating on street-safety/surveillance (for themselves, or for children or other vulnerable individuals in their care). They can also be distressing (if not actually downright dangerous) for those with some autistic, epileptic and other neurological or neurodiverse characteristics. This request also applies to bus-stops, and to stand-alone signage on pavements and in 'pedestrianised' areas.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
Policy S/PRIA: Public Realm Improvement Areas (PRIA) in Cambridge
Representation ID: 202564
Received: 28/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
I support the S/PRIA/EG and EW Bridge and Underpass Cultural Hub Project – within the designated PRIA. ❌The existing area surrounding the bridge and underpasses lacks a sense of place. ✅This Cultural Hub provides an accessible programme. ✅This introduced community, sports and cultural programme upgrades the public realm – promoting safety and forging local identity. ✅It strengthens active transport both N/S and E/W for better conductivity, helpfully prioritising residents and visitors. ✅ It encourages movement along known desirelines to and across the river, for Petersfield, Market Abbey and Chesterton wards.
I support the S/PRIA/EG and EW Bridge and Underpass Cultural Hub Project – within the designated PRIA. ❌The existing area surrounding the bridge and underpasses lacks a sense of place. ✅This Cultural Hub provides an accessible programme. ✅This introduced community, sports and cultural programme upgrades the public realm – promoting safety and forging local identity. ✅It strengthens active transport both N/S and E/W for better conductivity, helpfully prioritising residents and visitors. ✅ It encourages movement along known desirelines to and across the river, for Petersfield, Market Abbey and Chesterton wards.
Comment
Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation
About the Plan
Representation ID: 203507
Received: 29/01/2026
Respondent: Friends of St Matthew's Piece
Where's the box for 'Any Other Comment'; am using this one. This 'consultation process' has been WAY too much about how hard YOU worked – talking AT us. This ornate website is utterly inaccessible and totally unusable to an unguided local resident. It has taken 2.5 months of my life learning how to comment, prioritising where in this behemoth to focus, and sharing key tips with local residents. But that should be YOUR job. You should have concentrated on telling residents HOW to make THEIR comments. The overwhelming majority of the public has been UNABLE to participate - by design?
Where's the box for 'Any Other Comment'; am using this one. This 'consultation process' has been WAY too much about how hard YOU worked – talking AT us. This ornate website is utterly inaccessible and totally unusable to an unguided local resident. It has taken 2.5 months of my life learning how to comment, prioritising where in this behemoth to focus, and sharing key tips with local residents. But that should be YOUR job. You should have concentrated on telling residents HOW to make THEIR comments. The overwhelming majority of the public has been UNABLE to participate - by design?
