Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 208062

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 7. While these uses are described using planning Use Classes, in addition it would be desirable to use plain language to describe what this means in practice. We would like Lab space to be specifically noted here, as it is in short supply locally.

Comment

Representation ID: 208063

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 7.a.i. We note that Northstowe Phase 1 was delivered with zero self/custom build homes. There are three plots coming forward presently in the first parcel of Phase 3B, but we would welcome an additional target being recorded here so progress toward it can be tested against future planning applications.

Comment

Representation ID: 208064

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 8. We are now far beyond "early occupation" and all involved parties have failed to deliver "Temporary (...) healthcare facilities" and indeed are in default on the Phase 2 S106 planning obligation requiring permanent healthcare facilities.

Comment

Representation ID: 208065

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 8.f. It is unfortunate that the existing established S106 obligations provide for land for faith and cultural use, but failed to provide for any monetary or in-kind contributions to realising facilities on that land. It is regrettable that providing facilities in a new and master-planned development has fallen solely on the shoulders of religious and community groups. This contrasts with Cambourne, where a S106 agreement provided for monetary contributions toward delivery of a church.

Comment

Representation ID: 208066

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 10. & 11. We welcome and support this clear re-statement that Northstowe will be separated from adjacent settlements. This separation must be retained and neither Northstowe nor the adjacent settlements should be developed into the gap. An updated inset map is required which reflects this, as the provided one does not reflect the established green separation provided for by existing outline planning consents. Any update or refresh on the outline planning consents must then carry forward the same or greater green separation. We note the Northstowe "Defined Development Extents" map more closely matches our expectations of the extents of the built environment for Northstowe, but also is not included as an inset map.

Comment

Representation ID: 208067

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 57.a. Please strike "which will not undermine the vitality and viability of other nearby towns or compete with Cambridge;" It is essential that Northstowe Town centre is allowed to compete with others in the area. For this to happen it must have destinations as "anchors" – within the listed uses — which bring people to the town and make the Town Centre a viable proposition. It would be highly inappropriate and unacceptable for the LPA to neuter development of the Town Centre because it could compete with other areas. Please also adjust "immediate surrounding area" to "wider surrounding area" for similar reasons.

Comment

Representation ID: 208068

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 63. We support the principle of outdoor sports provision, but a bowling green is already provided in Northstowe with no further pressing need given the town's demographics. Would suggest padel or bocce is more appropriate for casual sports provision associated with a town park.

Comment

Representation ID: 208069

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 63. It would be appropriate here to reference the close proximity of the secured swimming pool provision to the Town Centre.

Comment

Representation ID: 208070

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 65. "Continue to offer recreational opportunities" please reword to "must offer water-based recreation opportunities in the future" as this is currently not happening.

Comment

Representation ID: 208071

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Northstowe Town Council

3.3.69. 69.e. We note that while the relevant S106 payments have been made during the development of Northstowe, for example to fund the capital costs of the Guided Busway, the current level of service provided to Northstowe residents in return is deeply unacceptable. In addition, the charging model adopted by the operator and approved by CCC sees bus journeys commencing in Northstowe attract higher fares than the same bus being boarded in adjacent settlements.