Greater Cambridge Local Plan: Proposed Submission

Part 4.f - revise to "The Junction MUST maintain its ability to operate whilst redevelopment occurs"

Part 7 to better emphasise the 'agent of change' principle with regards to new housing.

Revision to the spatial approach to promote commercial uses around the Junction to act as a buffer between the venue and noise-sensitive uses.

We consider the plan to be legally compliant and broadly we also consider this policy to be sound, however some areas of current wording requires minor revision to ensure consistency with national policy with regards to safeguarding and supporting the Junction as also appears to be the objective of the site allocation.

At the previous stage of consultation (Regulation 18) we raised significant concern at the content of this policy. We stopped short of outright objection but outlined a number of points which required attention to make this site allocation acceptable in terms of safeguarding the arts and cultural offer of the Junction. We welcome revisions that have been made, which to a large degree alleviates those concerns.

The Junction is an important arts and cultural venue for Cambridge, which is highly regarded and contributes towards the social and cultural well-being of local people. It has a distinct offer and programme, which also attracts people into the area which supports vibrancy, jobs and the local economy. It is essential that it is protected, and that new development complements rather than undermines its future operations. This is reflected within relevant NPPF policy.

We are supportive of the principle of redevelopment in this area, which if implemented sensitively would help meet Cambridge's identified housing, employment, economic and leisure needs. However, development must also be sustainable and in this context that means planning positively for the Junction and its future needs. That principle is largely addressed within the objectives and place identity. We support the masterplan approach, and that this should be approved by the council prior to planning consent. Part 4.f should be revised from "Opportunities should be explored to maintain its ability to operate whilst redevelopment occurs" to "The Junction MUST maintain its ability to operate whilst redevelopment occurs". Any break in provision would be highly detrimental to the Junction and its users, particularly were this to occur for a prolonged period. It would also be potentially contrary to paragraph 98 of the previous NPPF (2023), or Policy HC6 of the new NPPF were this plan to be submitted after 1st January 2026.

Part 7 might be further elaborated to emphasise the importance of complying with the 'agent of change' principle with regards to noise and disturbance to new residents from the Junction, which again is the position of both versions of the NPPF.

The indicative spatial framework shows residential uses around the Junction as part of mixed-use developments. We recommend revision or additional supplementary text to promote commercial uses around the Junction to act as a buffer, thereby providing further mitigation and safeguard against conflict.

On supporting paragraph 3.1.8, we recommend further detail as set out within our previous comments to ensure that an 'upgraded' venue is at least of the same standard as the current one. This includes ensuring sufficient volume of space, capacity, audience and back of house facilities, technical capabilities and servicing.

Subject to those minor revisions, we could fully support this policy and the plan's soundness.