Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Minimise development. Stop building on it.

There should be less interference with green space and less fragmentation. Attempts should be made to re-join remaining green space through nature recovery networks.

New developments may be able to include some greenspace but this will rarely compensate for the large areas of greenspace they will absorb without considerable effort. Furthermore developments fragment greenspace and frequently cross important wildlife corridors. We recommend that if new development is undertaken, design should follow the principles expressed in the report of the Wildlife Trusts titled “Homes for people and wildlife - How to build housing in a nature-friendly way”.

Nothing chosen

Yes.

There is no such thing as ‘good growth’. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the growth economic model has to be substantially modified or even abandoned if the human race is to survive. However, there can be good developments in which effective planning and design can promote wellbeing and social cohesion. A good mix of housing, with sufficient truly affordable housing which includes housing for different age groups and housing suitable for the physically challenged will assist. Consideration needs to be given to ongoing care and maintenance, including security and the delivery of services, if wellbeing and social cohesion are to be maintained. More green and blue integrated infrastructure will assist mental health and well-being. Design standards should be maintained through provision of Design Guides and Landscape and Townscape Assessment. There must be a strong policy on building to meet the challenges of climate change minimisation and mitigation. Design Standards and build quality musty be firmly enforced once permission for development is granted to ensure the actual development is carried out in precise accordance with standards and policies. Building control must be strengthened and returned to be completely under the control of the local planning authority.

Ensure that you listen to residents with an open mind. Pursue practical objectives, not political ones. Seek advice from people with appropriate and proven expertise, not people who think they are experts or whose expertise has some kind of financial strings attached.

See response to Question 17. Refer back to studies of the long term successes and failures of the New Towns. Apply Parker Morris space standards to reduce household stress. Response to Q17 below: Ensure that you listen to residents with an open mind. Pursue practical objectives, not political ones. Seek advice from people with appropriate and proven expertise, not people who think they are experts or whose expertise has some kind of financial strings attached.

See response to Question 18. Provide adequate community facilities, including education, communication and entertainment, play areas and sport facilities. Ensure access to formal and informal green space. Response to Q 18: "See response to Question 17. Refer back to studies of the long term successes and failures of the New Towns. Apply Parker Morris space standards to reduce household stress. Response to Q17 below: Ensure that you listen to residents with an open mind. Pursue practical objectives, not political ones. Seek advice from people with appropriate and proven expertise, not people who think they are experts or whose expertise has some kind of financial strings attached."

Maximise use of public transport, walking and cycling by provision of appropriate services and infrastructure. Create employment space within communities. Facilitate home working. Implement fibre to the home, FTTH, broadband.

Don’t build inappropriate buildings in inappropriate places. Ensure expert advice is independent and truly expert. Ensure more public participation in planning meetings by removing some of the sillier time limits on speaking that some councils operate