Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

The principle of a spatial strategy that prioritises the delivery of new homes in sustainable development locations, such as within the Cambridge Urban Area and on its edge, as well as through planned new settlements, is supported. However, the Development Strategy should place a clearer emphasis on the role of proportionate growth within rural settlements, to supplement strategic sites and new settlements.

Whilst it is anticipated that the strategic sites and urban extensions will contribute to a significant quantum of housing, delivering much of the identified housing need over the Plan-period, the importance of enabling plan-led and organic growth in village locations should not be understated, where development can support the long-term vitality of rural communities, sustain existing services and facilities, and contribute to the delivery of local housing needs, particularly with regards to affordable homes and other specialist housing types.

The recognition within the Plan to account for a need for jobs and homes within rural areas (both in Rural Centres and Minor Rural Centres) is supported, however there should be further and more explicit direction. It is clear from the Illustrative Map, which shows locations of proposed new housing development in the Council area, that very little growth is directed towards the south and southeast of Cambridge. The development of approximately 65 dwellings in a sustainable rural settlement represents a modest and proportionate expansion of the village, which contributes valuably towards housing need and aligns with national policy objectives in supporting thriving communities.