Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Response to Question 2 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 2.1 VJF is submitting three parcels of land at Papworth for consideration as site allocations in the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. A site location plan is included at Appendix 1. The sites include the following: ● Site A – located on the western side of the village, the site comprises mostly agricultural fields, with some areas of woodland that would be retained and enhanced. A narrow brook that runs from the north to the south of the site for which a wildlife corridor is proposed. The site is proposed for a landscape-led residential development of between 301-452 homes. ● Site B – located on the north-western side of the village, the site comprises an area of scrub and grassland with some broad-leaved plantation woodland. The site is proposed as potential land for a primary school expansion or for community use. ● Site C – located to the east of Papworth Business Park, the site comprises an agricultural field and a car park. The site is proposed for an extension to the already established and successful business park. The Opportunity 2.2 As a registered charity, VJF has a deep and intertwined legacy with the history of Papworth Everard (Papworth). A unique and large custodian in the village, VJF is able to approach development collaboratively and holistically, with the capacity to provide facilities and beneficial development for the community in targeted locations throughout the village. An ownership map is included at Appendix 2 which indicates the extent of VJF’s land ownership within and around Papworth. 2.3 Papworth is classified as a Minor Rural Centre in the settlement hierarchy within the adopted Local Plan, the second most sustainable location for development. A Village Assessment accompanies these representations and includes a detailed assessment of the village infrastructure that is currently available and makes a number of recommendations in terms of how the proposed expansion of Papworth can bring tangible benefits to the community by improving existing facilities and services and providing new infrastructure. The focus of the proposal is to bring public benefits to the village through the delivery of new development. 2.4 Papworth is a sustainable location in terms of both existing and proposed transport links. Significant investment is planned around Papworth to help link the village to key transport routes, which will enable the proposed expansion of the village. Transport connections to Papworth are set out in more detail within the accompanying Transport Appraisals prepared by EAS. There are a number of strategic schemes coming forward which will improve mobility in the area: ● The completion of the A14 re-alignment and improvement works, for which the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon is now set to open earlier than expected in spring 2020; ● The East-West rail preferred route has been announced which will link with Cambourne which is just 4km south of Papworth; ● A428 Highways England improvement proposals which includes new footpath and cycleway connections at the Caxton Gibbet junction and the re-alignment of the junction to reduce congestion in the area and improve journey times along this key transport route; ● The Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Cambourne to Cambridge Transport project which will improve transport connections. As part of these proposals, the proposed Scotland Farm Park and Ride is currently the preferred option which is currently out for consultation. Scheme completion is currently forecasted in 2024; and ● The Cambridge Autonomous Metro which has recently been given approval for a consultation for the main routes that would connect Cambridge with St Neots, Alconbury, Mildenhall and Haverhill. The route to St Neots is proposed to stop at Cambourne which would link with other proposed cycleway and footway improvements and enable residents to have even more choice for sustainable transport modes. 2.5 The above identified transport projects all demonstrate the excellent transport connections that contribute towards Papworth being a sustainable location to enable residents and employees to travel into and out of the village. 2.6 The proposed amount of development has the real potential to be able to make a number of positive changes to matters such as transport, shops, play space, youth provision and social facilities. The sites are within single ownership and capable of delivering a well-designed, high quality development that could make efficient use land that is enclosed by the A1198 bypass, whilst also being able to respect the significance of the heritage assets. The Economic Context 2.7 National Planning Policy confirms that planning policies should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt (NPPF, paragraph 80). The NPPF specifically states that “Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development” (emphasis added). The approach taken should allow each area to build on its strengths, counter any weaknesses and address the challenges of the future. 2.8 The NPPF continues, at paragraph 81, in advising the planning policies should: “a) set out a clear economic vision and strategy which positively and proactively encourages sustainable economic growth, having regard to Local Industrial Strategies and other local policies for economic development and regeneration; b) set criteria, or identify strategic sites, for local and inward investment to match the strategy and to meet anticipated needs over the plan period; c) seek to address potential barriers to investment, such as inadequate infrastructure, services or housing, or a poor environment; and d) be flexible enough to accommodate needs not anticipated in the plan, allow for new and flexible working practices (such as live-work accommodation), and to enable a rapid response to changes in economic circumstances.” Page 5 2.9 Paragraph 82 adds that: “Planning policies and decisions should recognise and address the specific locational requirements of different sectors. This includes making provision for clusters or networks of knowledge and data-driven, creative or high technology industries; …at a variety of scales and in suitably accessible locations” 2.10 The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) (2018) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Industrial Strategy (2019) provide such a vision and have each outlined ambitious plans for growth over the next 20 years. 2.11 Furthermore, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) has a target of doubling the regional economic growth (GVA) over the next 25 years within its Devolution Deal. This requires the area going beyond what it has achieved in the past (to double an economy over twenty-five years requires an average annual growth rate of 2.81%. Historically, since 1998, the local economy has only grown at around 2.5%.). Achieving this requires employment growth and more importantly productivity growth, as we are already at comparatively high levels of employment 2.12 In order to deliver this ‘step change’ in economic performance, the Consultation document states that around 2,900 homes a year would need to be built in Greater Cambridge if the jobs growth is achieved – an indicative total of 66,700 homes over 2017 – 2040. To make good use of public money and to support the economy, the location of new development should be informed by where major infrastructure is/will take place. Emerging Concept Proposals 2.13 VJF is submitting three parcels of land within their ownership which are suitable as site allocations within the emerging Local Plan. The sites are well-related to the existing village of Papworth Everard and do not feature any constraints that would prevent the principle of development from being accommodated. The supporting Vision Document sets out in more detail the potential concept proposals for the sites. The proposals for the sites have been assessed within the context of the four ‘big themes’ of the consultation document. For reference a summary is included below: Site A: West Papworth Village Extension 2.14 Site A is considered suitable for a landscape-led residential development of between 302-452 dwellings, based on a detailed assessment of the context of the site. There is a range of homes at this stage as it requires stakeholder engagement and statutory consultees involvement to shape the proposal and what scale of benefits are preferred. The site is located along the western side of the village and is enclosed by the A1198 bypass which acts as a defensible boundary and forms an area of enclosed parcel of land that can now have a planned and designed purpose put to it. Access to the western site can be achieved either via an access point already demarcated at the bypass roundabout between the A1198 and the B1040, or from Ermine Street South, as shown in the enclosed Transport Appraisal prepared by EAS. 2.15 The site would include affordable housing, landscaping, and a variety of open space. Cycle and pedestrian links would be retained and improved as part of the proposed development. Site B: Primary School Expansion 2.16 The north western parcel is proposed as land with potential for a primary school expansion or for community use. Site C: Papworth Business Park Expansion 2.17 Site C is located to the east of the village and is proposed for an extension to the already established and successful Papworth Business Park, which is adjacent to the site. The ability to provide for more employment space in the village is important both to remove some of the commuter pressure arising from the village and to ensure there is a balance between homes and jobs, so people have a choice of working in the village in which they live. 2.18 At this stage, the eastern parcel is put forward for employment uses as an extension to the existing Policy E/5 which is delivering Papworth Business Park. It may be appropriate for it to be safeguarded as employment land, subject to how the village changes in the near future and whether extra employment space is needed in the short, medium or long term. This will be better known over the course of the Local Plan preparation. 2.19 The enclosed masterplan shows an indicative developable area of 4.28ha within Site C with the provision of open space and landscaping. Benefits 2.20 A Village Assessment is enclosed which comprises an assessment of the village to enable an early understanding of its housing, services and facilities so that new development can be shaped accordingly to target how and where it will have the greatest positive impact to the community. The intention behind the assessment is to help inform discussions to ensure that the right improvements are delivered in the right way to underpin the commitment of VJF to deliver development in a planned and coordinated way to generate benefits for all. The Assessment finds that there are a number of benefits that could be provided to the village by the proposed allocation and delivery of the sites: ● A Unique Opportunity  VJF, along with the associated Papworth Trust, own a significant proportion of Papworth Everard; its housing stock, open spaces and community buildings. VJF has a significant interest in the health and wellbeing of the village and for its development proposals to enhance the quality of life for all its residents and visitors. Development at Papworth Everard offers a unique opportunity to provide development in a coordinated way and to be able to spread the benefits of development as wide as possible and not just within the boundaries of the development.  Development promoted by charities that have a vested interested in the village and will remain as the long-term custodian of much of the village. The long-term success of the allocation and delivering associated benefits is at the heart of the promotion. ● Community Infrastructure  An additional nursery, either as a standalone facility or co-located with a one-form entry primary school, and contributions towards the expansion of the existing pre-school.  Contributions towards the expansion of Pendragon Primary School to three-form entry with increased play and sport space, or space for a single-form entry primary school elsewhere in the village.  Children’s play space.  Contributions towards the expansion of the existing GP surgery.  Future development could include further allotment space, or a community orchard. ● Transport Connections  Contributions towards the existing outdoor sports provision in the village and look at opportunities to increase participation, particularly amongst the older population.  A dedicated cycle way to Cambourne can be supported which could link with the Highways England proposals to provide a cycleway and footway at the Caxton Gibbet junction to enable connections with Cambourne.  Enhanced walking and cycling routes throughout the village. ● Meeting Housing Needs  The affordable housing element of the proposals can focus on tenures that would assist local residents to enter the housing market, such as discount market sales and shared ownership models, linked to the affordability identified by this assessment.  A mix of dwelling types and sizes that relate to the needs and affordability of the Papworth Everard community.  The proposals can include for provision of dedicated older persons development.

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Agree

3.1 Agree. 3.2 The proposed Local Plan period up to 2040 is considered appropriate and to accord with the requirements set out within the NPPF for local authorities to identify a sufficient supply and mix of sites between years 1-15 of the plan (Para 67).

Nothing chosen

3.3 The government announced on 30 January 2020 the preferred route for the central section of East West Rail (EWR) which is set to see a significant improvement to connectivity across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. The preferred Route E is to run via Cambourne which is just four miles south of Papworth Everard. Above: EWR Preferred Route E 3.4 As a key transport infrastructure project, the implications of this route should be factored into the spatial strategy for the district. This route would help improve the connectivity to Papworth and supports the case for allocating a village extension at Papworth by improving opportunities for residents to travel by sustainable modes, for at least a major part of their journey. Opportunities to provide a dedicated cycleway to Cambourne could be delivered to support the Papworth village extension, encouraging sustainable modes of travel and healthier lifestyle choices for the local community.

Agree

4.1 Agree. 4.2 The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen in order to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts.

4.5 The increased focus on climate change is welcomed. Climate change policy and good practice is changing quickly, and the plan will need to build in suitable flexibility to accommodate these changes within the lifetime of the plan. Climate change scenarios predict extensive changes by 2050, much of which is dependent on government and human action so there is substantial uncertainty over outcomes. 4.6 A needlessly stringent policy may inadvertently impede progress towards later years in the plan or undermine results by not allowing for site-specific refinement. For example, policy for electric vehicle charging points should be sufficiently flexible to accommodate that quickly changing technology, as well the current grid challenges in implemented EV charging places. Energy policies should include flexibility for changing legislation, and technology, as well as the opportunity to refine a plan-wide policy for site specifics. As the Zero Carbon Futures Symposium Report (2019) submitted within the evidence base notes on page 10: where targets are too limited, and without consideration of project contexts, policy can drive dysfunctional behaviour such as photovoltaic solar panels being installed on North facing roofs merely to achieve policy compliance not to produce effective carbon reductions. 4.7 Allowing for changing technologies and approaches should also help with viability as technology and approaches improve and are more widely adopted, thereby reducing costs. Escalating targets and policies may be able to accommodate these changes, while providing clarity to developers on the costs of development over time. 4.8 The local plan Sustainability Appraisal (SA) should address variable climate change scenarios, as we would expect that different climate change scenarios will be of interest at examination. Lack of rigorous assessment of these scenarios in the SA could lead to the plan being found unsound.

4.9 Greater Cambridge is a leading local authority on climate change policy, such as through the early declaration of a climate change emergency and also through the newly adopted Sustainable Development SPD. This leadership should continue, as it is central to the sustainable development of Cambridge, leading to better development for humans, the environment, and for economic development. It should be borne in mind that Cambridge's knowledge economy increasingly demands high sustainability standards: sustainability, health and wellbeing, with climate change at the heart, is a key part of continuing Cambridge's economic development. This should remain a priority as part of a policy framework that recognises climate change as a key part of sustainable development across social, environmental and economic objectives. 4.10 Locating development on land at Papworth offers opportunities to maximise energy efficiency measures on site and achieving low carbon development, thereby helping to achieve the Council’s climate change targets, while benefiting an existing community.

Nothing chosen

4.11 A policy approach with multiple options for delivering net zero carbon is likely to be most effective in delivering development, as well as carbon neutrality. A multi-pronged approach should allow different solutions for different developments, reflecting context. For example, for some developments, Passivhaus energy standards may be achievable (going well above and beyond minimums set out in the Building Regulations), but for others, Building Regulations may need to be followed but an offset solution, such as a green bond or offset fund, could be used to achieve a net carbon reduction. Possible options need to be worked up in more detail as the Plan progresses and must build in flexibility.

4.12 To form a flexible policy framework, so as not to stifle the benefits of new technology or modern methods of construction. 4.13 The development of land at Papworth can contribute towards adapting to climate change and achieving net zero carbon by providing more energy efficient housing and commercial buildings together. For reference as to how Land at Papworth could contribute towards adapting to climate change and achieving net zero carbon, please refer to Section 2 of these representations, the Transport Appraisal prepared by EAS and the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal prepared by Ecology Solutions.

4.14 This Local Plan must deliver effective policy which protects and enhances natural capital. We support delivery of net gain for new development. Such policy must be flexible enough to enable creative and cost-effective solutions for the delivery of net gain and support the Vision for the Natural Future of Cambridgeshire in 2050 as outlined by Natural Cambridgeshire and affiliated organisations. An off-site net gain solution should be clearly allowed for by policy. While it is a Local Plan priority as a part of one of the four big themes, the Local Plan policy must allow for a planning judgement and balanced decision to allow for site and development specific issues to be taken into account. 4.15 The development of land at Papworth could improve the natural environment by providing high quality public open space on site, roof gardens and biodiversity features such as green roofs. In addition to this, strategic off site opportunities offer the opportunity to significantly increase biodiversity other than providing site specific biodiversity improvements. 4.16 VJF recognise the importance of enhancing the natural environment and is committed to achieving net biodiversity gain in respect to potential redevelopment proposals at Papworth. The Sites present opportunities to improve wellbeing through improved green spaces to relax and socialise. As referred to above, new areas of green infrastructure also provide opportunities to mitigate against climate change, through creating resilient new habitats. Page 12 4.17 Three ecological appraisals were completed by Ecology Solutions in January 2020 and accompany these representations. The key findings from the appraisal are summarised below: ● There are no statutory or non-statutory designated sites within or directly adjacent to the site; ● The habitats within the site are of limited intrinsic ecological interest; ● There are no overriding ecological constraints to redevelopment of the Site; ● The sites offer potential opportunities for different species for which further survey work is recommended at appropriate times of the year, however, there is good scope for providing enhancements for species as part of any redevelopment proposal; and ● Sites A and C present opportunities to achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain through a sensitively designed, landscape-led scheme which would incorporate native species of local provenance and those of known value to native wildlife to offer biodiversity gains post development.

4.18 This should come through from an up-to-date base assessment of Greater Cambridge assets, which leads to a Local Plan wide (and beyond) strategy. Development proposals can then be shaped around the identified priorities. As part of a policy framework that allows for off-site mitigation and off-site net gain enhancements can be used to improve the wider green space network. 4.19 Public open space is proposed as part of the proposed development of sites A and C at Papworth and there is potential to open up Site B for greater public access through the provision of new community space. Public realm improvements including tree lined avenues and small pocket parks can contribute to the Papworth’s green space network and contribute towards improving air quality.