Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

From the Trust's perspective we would strongly encourage that the plan for Greater Cambridge is supportive of community and cultural facilities, including the area's theatres, music venues and pubs which provide access to the arts and culture. This includes ensuring such facilities are protected from loss, for example setting robust evidence criteria where applications for change of use are received. This will help the future plan accord with paragraph 92 of the NPPF. Furthermore, in conjunction with policies on appropriate uses within town centres, the plan should also manage development which would result in conflict with existing noise-generating uses in line with paragraph 182 of the NPPF.

Very flexible

In terms of change of use between town centre and community uses, we are supportive of policy which allows cultural uses to come forward within town centres particularly where it brings vacant properties back into use whether on a temporary or more permanent basis. Non-retail leisure and cultural uses are becoming increasingly important in supporting the health and vibrancy of town centres. While residential uses within town centres helps support their function it needs to be located sensitively so as to avoid conflict with other uses, in particular noise-generating cultural uses. This principle features within paragraph 182 of the NPPF.