Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

The objective to achieve net zero carbon by 2050 is supported, as part of this approach the Local Plan should look to create opportunities to improve the environmental performance of buildings. A fabric first approach should be used to encourage more energy efficient building through creating a market for developments such as Passive House. It is noted in the Local Plan the reference to off-site manufacture. Given the development opportunities identified within the Oxford to Cambridge Arc it will be important to create a supply chain for off-site manufacture close to Cambridge. The volumes of housing to be provided within the Greater Cambridge Local Plan should create the economy of scale to implement off-site manufacture factories. The Local Plan should develop a public transport, walking and cycling strategy that incentivises people to make sustainable travel choices. The cost of achieving the above should be reflected in viability considerations when considering the approach to be taken to the Community Infrastructure Levy and Planning Obligations.

In terms of creating inclusive communities it is critical that there is an appropriate supply and mix of affordable housing. This should include an appropriate mix of affordable rent, shared ownership and Build to Rent schemes. It is important that affordable housing managed by regionally active Housing Association’s. The reason for this is it important that support arrangements are put in place for residents within new communities. bpha has a strong presence in Greater Cambridge. We have a housing management service with our Home Agents providing a single point of contact for all housing management issues from income management, tenancy management and anti-social behaviour. We have a dedicated Home Agent for specified geographic areas managing around 500 units of rental and shared ownership properties. We have a specialist Community Development team to ensure effective integration of new developments. bpha has a specialist Money Advice team who provide debt and benefit advice and will refer or signpost customers for specialist employment support. The Money Advice Team are registered with the FSA to provide this advice. There is a Tenancy Sustainment team who provide support to our more vulnerable customers to sustain their tenancies. They provide specialist support to those persons with mental health issues, learning disabilities and complex needs such as drug and alcohol issues. It is noted that the Local Plan intends to broaden the employment base of Cambridge. Support should be given to enable the local community to engage with the construction industry and the skills required. Investment should made to ensure that residents are given the opportunity to gain employment and skills on development sites.

The use of Design Codes specific to a local area is critical, this should reflect local building typologies and topography. There has to a recognition that forms of construction are changing through modern methods of construction, and design codes should allow for flexibility for new house building technologies where they are contributing towards the objective of being carbon neutral.

We support the requirement that the Local Plan should plan for at least 10% of the new homes required to be on small sites no larger than one hectare. We support this objective to ensure that a mix of sites come forward. When public sector agencies are seeking to dispose of such sites themselves they should consider fully what they want to achieve on the site and not just focus on cash receipt maximisation. They should consider whether the site would benefit from higher than policy requirements for affordable housing.

Nothing chosen

We would support the objective to increase the number of homes to be built to around 2,900 homes a year in Greater Cambridge – an indicative total of 66,700 homes over 2017-2040 in order to create a balance between jobs and housing. It is important a mix of housing tenures are delivered so appropriate targets should be set for affordable tenures.

A mix of housing types should be provided across Greater Cambridge. Alongside open market sale housing this should include affordable rent, social rent, starter homes and rent to buy. The role of the private rented sector should be considered. In addition the Local Plan should consider the role that co-housing could play in contributing to inclusive communities.

It is important that housing is built to a sufficient size and standard. The starting point with this should be the Nationally Described Minimum Space Standards. In addition in relation to adaptable and wheelchair accessible standards appropriate amounts of M3 and M4 types of property should be provided.

Yes

Yes – the Local Plan should follow a process to consider the role of the Green Belt through a Green Belt review in the light of development opportunities that will be provided through infrastructure such as East-West Rail.

Highly flexible

It is important that a flexible approach be taken to the provision of schemes on the edge of villages that deliver 100% affordable housing.

Highly flexible

It is important that a flexible approach should be taken towards the delivery of all forms of housing within village boundaries. If a too restrictive approach is taken to infill policies then it can lead to lower density forms of housing that might not meet the needs of the local community.