Greater Cambridge Local Plan: Proposed Submission

The plan should recognise the impact of major developments at the edge of the city on the quality of life in the more rural villages in the wider hinterland. Their Impact on health and recreation services, transport, large increase in population, possible light pollution. Section n 106 agreements should reflect in practical terms the impact of larger developments on smaller rural communities that will be affected by them.

Plan should recognise the role smaller rural villages have to play in the environment of the Local Plan area.

The Plan does not take sufficient account of the need for smaller rural villages to remain viable. The emphasis on developing the larger villages with transport and other facilities already available is laudable, but there needs to be a separate recognition within the development hierarchy that allows for smaller villages to have moderate levels of development, where local communities wish it, to allow younger people to stay within these villages. Revisiting Green Belt restrictions or widening the scope for First Homes or Rural Exception developments.