Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

3.42 Well-designed developments should take the opportunity for improving the character and quality of an area, be properly served by infrastructure and contribute to the needs of the wider community. Individual buildings, their immediate surroundings and where they sit within the wider landscape, should all be carefully considered when designing new developments. 3.43 Grosvenor’s commitments to developing high quality places is reflected through Trumpington Meadows. The scheme mirrors principles of good design and high quality place-making, which made it an award-winning scheme. These would be extended to Trumpington South. If the site were allocated, a Design Code would be prepared as part of an outline planning application. The Design Code would secure the delivery of a high quality sustainable scheme.

Nothing chosen

3.44 The NPPF underlines the Government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Green Belts, stating that once established, these should only be amended in ‘exceptional circumstances’ and only through the preparation or updating of plans. 3.45 The NPPF indicates that when drawing up Green Belt boundaries, the Council should consider the need to promote sustainable patterns of development, channelling development towards the urban area. Where Green Belt land is required for release, consideration should first be given to land which is previously developed and/or well served by public transport. When viewed in the context of the scale of the housing need in Greater Cambridge and its unmet need, it is critical that all appropriate options are fully explored, including amendments to Green Belt boundaries. 3.46 Grosvenor and USS consider that there are exceptional circumstances for the release of Green Belt land to meet the growing housing need in Cambridge, especially where travel distances can be reduced and sustainable patterns of development encouraged. This will provide an opportunity to identify sites which can provide a significant amount of homes to contribute to meeting identified housing needs, especially where those sites are well served by public transport (as advised in para 138 of the NPPF) and also well connected to key destinations, such as major employment hubs, education and community facilities. Grosvenor and USS agree that climate impacts could be reduced if the Councils take this approach to remove Green Belt land if evidence shows it provides a more sustainable development option by reducing travel distances. 3.47 Grosvenor and USS maintain that any Green Belt Review undertaken by the Councils should be a robust assessment, undertaken in accordance with the national Planning Practice Guidance and the NPPF, specifically taking account of the need to promote sustainable patterns of development. 3.48 There are a number of Green Belt locations where housing sites can be identified that reduce travel distances, without the purposes of the Green Belt being compromised, ensuring the function and integrity of the Green Belt will remain. Trumpington South is such a site, situated on the southern edge of Cambridge, located next to the existing Trumpington Park and Ride, and the future Cambridge South West Travel Hub, with proposals to extend the guided busway around the edge of the site. Trumpington South is well connected via active and shared travel modes to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the city centre and nearby community facilities, reducing commuting and travel distances to key locations. 3.49 Furthermore, the Green Belt and Landscape Appraisal prepared by Terence O’Rourke, which has been prepared in support of these representations, assesses the local purpose of the Green Belt in this location which is to preserve its setting and special character and to prevent the merging of communities with each other and to the city. The Appraisal considers the contribution of the site to the prevention of communities merging into one another to be limited. The Appraisal’s focus has, therefore, been on the changing nature of the site and surrounding environs and how this has, and will, affect the setting of Cambridge city. 3.50 The Green Belt and Landscape Appraisal conclusions advise that the alterations to the landscape, specifically the urbanising nature of development, such as the proposed Park and Ride, and associated reduction in visual openness, will alter the contribution of the site to Green Belt purposes. It goes on to say that this is particularly the case in relation to the setting of and approach to the settlement edge and that these changes have also, therefore, altered the qualities and function of the Green Belt. 3.51 The Appraisal notes that the future development of this site would provide an opportunity to create a new settlement edge which responds to the changing and increasingly enclosed nature of the landscape as a result of development. It advises that the extent of the settlement edge should allow for a sufficient countryside edge to be preserved, ensuring that the landscape predominates. It concludes that alterations to the landscape would provide the opportunity to enhance the countryside edge and, therefore, the setting and special character of Cambridge. 3.52 Lastly, the NPPF also refers to “ways in which the impact of removing land from the Green Belt can be offset through compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of remaining green belt land”. 3.53 The Green Belt and Landscape Appraisal advises that Trumpington South offers the opportunity to significantly enhance the quality of the remaining Green Belt within the site through biodiversity enhancements and access for multi-recreational purposes, as has been demonstrated in the Country Park to date. Grosvenor and USS consider these compensatory measures would offset any loss of Green Belt arising from the development.

3.54 When viewed in the context of the scale of the housing need in Greater Cambridge and its unmet need, it is critical that developing around the edges of Cambridge on land in the Green Belt is included in the review of any strategy. The NPPF indicates where Green Belt land is required for release, consideration should first be given to land which is previously developed and/or well served by public transport. Grosvenor and USS consider that there are exceptional circumstances for the release of Green Belt land to meet the growing housing need in Cambridge, especially where travel distances can be reduced and sustainable patterns of development encouraged, as would be the case with sites on the edge of the City. This will provide an opportunity to identify sites which can provide a significant amount of homes to contribute to meeting identified housing needs, especially where those sites are well served by public transport (as advised in para 138 of the NPPF) and also well connected to key destinations such as major employment hubs, education and community facilities. 3.55 As set out in the response to Question 39, Grosvenor and USS, therefore, urge the Councils to review sites for release around the edges of Cambridge in the Green Belt which are well served by public transport and well connected to key destinations such as major employment hubs, education and community facilities. Trumpington South is situated on the southern edge of Cambridge, located next to the existing Trumpington Park and Ride, and the future Cambridge South West Travel Hub, with proposals to extend the guided busway around the edge of the site. Trumpington South is well connected via active and shared travel modes to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the city centre and nearby community facilities, reducing commuting and travel distances to key locations. 3.56 Furthermore, the Green Belt and Landscape Appraisal prepared by Terence O’Rourke in support of these representations, assesses the local purpose of the Green Belt in Cambridge in this location which is to preserve its setting and special character and to prevent the merging of communities with each other and to the city. The Appraisal considers the contribution of the site to the prevention of communities merging into one another to be limited. The Appraisal’s focus has, therefore, been on the changing nature of the site and surrounding environs and how this has and will affect the setting of Cambridge city. 3.57 The Green Belt and Landscape Appraisal conclusions advise that the alterations to the landscape, specifically the urbanising nature of development, such as the proposed Park and Ride, and associated reduction in visual openness, will alter the contribution of the site to Green Belt purposes. It goes on to say that this is particularly the case in relation to the setting of and approach to the settlement edge and that these changes have also, therefore, altered the qualities and function of the Green Belt. 3.58 The Appraisal notes that the future development of this site would provide an opportunity to create a new settlement edge which responds to the changing and increasingly enclosed nature of the landscape as a result of development. It advises that the extent of the settlement edge should allow for a sufficient countryside edge to be preserved, ensuring that the landscape predominates. It concludes that alterations to the landscape would provide the opportunity to enhance the countryside edge and, therefore, the setting and special character of Cambridge. 3.59 Finally, the NPPF also refers to “ways in which the impact of removing land from the Green Belt can be offset through compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of remaining green belt land”. 3.60 The Green Belt and Landscape Appraisal advises that Trumpington South offers the opportunity to significantly enhance the quality of the remaining Green Belt within the site through biodiversity enhancements and access for multi-recreational purposes, as has been demonstrated in the Country Park to date. Grosvenor and USS consider these compensatory measures would offset any loss of Green Belt arising from the development.

No choices made

Question 42. Where should we site new development? Rank the options below 1-6 (1- Most Preferred 6- Least Preferred) Densification of existing urban areas, edge of Cambridge (outside the green belt), edge of Cambridge (green belt), dispersal (new settlements), dispersal (villages), public transport corridors. 3.61 Given the scale of housing need in the City, a combination of spatial strategies will be needed to support the sustainable growth of Greater Cambridge. We consider the Councils should consider edge of Cambridge (Green Belt) as the number one option for growth, followed by transport corridors as a close second best option for growth, in order to provide the most sustainable options for managing growth. Placing homes close to jobs provides the best chance of people walking and cycling, then reducing in commuting, improving air quality and helping achieve net zero carbon targets. 3.62 As was clear from the now adopted Local Plan hearings and Inspectors Report, reliance on the delivery of new settlements to accommodate a substantial level of the Councils’ current targets will not be sufficient. Sites which can be delivered quickly are as equally as important as the longer term ones if the Greater Cambridge area is to meet its housing need and not be susceptible to unplanned housing development. Trumpington South is in the control of Grosvenor and USS and therefore can be delivered swiftly.

3.63 Whilst this question relates to the question of densification of the urban area, it is relevant to the other spatial options too. NPPF paragraph 123 refers to sites making optimal use of the potential of each site, including those well served by public transport. Trumpington South provides the opportunity to deliver a dense, compact, highly accessible development with minimal impact on the Green Belt.

3.64 Grosvenor and USS support this approach because it expands the economic benefits of the urban area. It maintains the strength of the city core whilst locating jobs and homes along transport links and providing connections to other market towns. This option should, however, form part of a blended spatial strategy in order to meet the growth aspirations of the area. 3.65 Trumpington South sits along a highly accessible transport corridor and is within close proximity to the existing Park & Ride, the emerging Cambridge South Railway Station and the proposed Cambridge South West Travel Hub. With its proximity to the city centre and other significant employment bases, people living here would have a mobility choice. This is clearly identified in the Mobility Strategy which sets out the key benefits of the location, with its accessibility to existing facilities and employment but also its local transport services.

3.66 Connected to Q32, delivering the right numbers of homes and in the right locations can support the economy both by housing the workforce and by boosting spending in the local area, as well as supporting the vibrancy and vitality of centres and neighbourhoods. As recommended by the CPIER report, a blended spatial strategy is required. Providing homes in central, well-connected areas can also help to ensure residents can access key services and facilities, as well as encouraging access to these by waking and cycling. Co-ordinating economic and housing growth, including considering the needs of people who work from home, could result in people working more locally and reducing in- and out-commuting, leading to reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Furthermore, provision of diverse, specialist housing and self-build plots could help to reduce inequalities by ensuring everyone has access to suitable housing. Response to Q32: 3.67 Altogether it has been estimated that more than 30,000 extra homes, above those already in the pipeline, could be built in the Greater Cambridge area by 2040. Grosvenor and USS support a plan for a higher number of homes to support the growing economy. However, it should be complimented with additional infrastructure and public services so that it does not compromise quality of life. Both Councils should carefully consider the priorities of their area to ensure local needs are being met. For example, a top priority for the South Cambridgeshire District Council is to reduce commuting travel and ensure the provision of homes specifically targets essential local workers. In addition, the demographic profile is also changing, with the proportion of those aged over 65 significantly increasing. Therefore, the Councils should promote a range of housing options across all tenures to accommodate for the growth of people and families. 3.68 The CPIER makes it clear that the area can plan for significant employment and housing growth successfully but acknowledges that each area needs to carry out their own detailed modelling work which will form part of a concrete evidence base. This in turn helps to inform the strategic planning requirements of the area. Higher levels of housing, where delivered in the most sustainable locations, such as at Trumpington, will have positive impacts on social, environmental and economic factors.

Nothing chosen

3.67 Altogether it has been estimated that more than 30,000 extra homes, above those already in the pipeline, could be built in the Greater Cambridge area by 2040. Grosvenor and USS support a plan for a higher number of homes to support the growing economy. However, it should be complimented with additional infrastructure and public services so that it does not compromise quality of life. Both Councils should carefully consider the priorities of their area to ensure local needs are being met. For example, a top priority for the South Cambridgeshire District Council is to reduce commuting travel and ensure the provision of homes specifically targets essential local workers. In addition, the demographic profile is also changing, with the proportion of those aged over 65 significantly increasing. Therefore, the Councils should promote a range of housing options across all tenures to accommodate for the growth of people and families. 3.68 The CPIER makes it clear that the area can plan for significant employment and housing growth successfully but acknowledges that each area needs to carry out their own detailed modelling work which will form part of a concrete evidence base. This in turn helps to inform the strategic planning requirements of the area. Higher levels of housing, where delivered in the most sustainable locations, such as at Trumpington, will have positive impacts on social, environmental and economic factors.

3.69 A mix of different tenures and products should be offered to cater the needs of all in Cambridge. Trumpington South has the potential to deliver an innovative, bespoke housing solution with supporting community and work facilities to meet the specific needs of Southern Cambridge, the establishing Cambridge Biomedical Campus and beyond. This would include a diverse mix of housing types and tenures which are accessible to a wide range of local people, with houses and apartments which are affordable to buy, rent or share. Grosvenor and USS would seek to work with major employers – creating a pathway to the right housing for all levels of staff – in a location that removes the need to own a car. We would welcome further discussions with the Councils as to the type of housing that could be provided in this location.

3.70 Ensuring sufficient infrastructure is provided to support growth and in a timely manner will contribute positively towards the sustainability objectives of the Plan. A range of infrastructure projects are being promoted by Cambridge Ahead and the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) and development should be identified that can best utilise and contribute towards those initiatives. Development should maximise links to existing and proposed infrastructure to ensure walking, cycling and public transport trips are made but also provide the necessary support to allow for its provision at the appropriate time. 3.71 The Trumpington area already has an established active travel culture, with 61% of residents choosing to cycle to work and Trumpington South is particularly well suited to continue to improve upon this culture as the Mobility Strategy prepared by Vectos demonstrates: • It is exceptionally well connected to Cambridge Biomedical Campus and the City Centre via cycle networks, the guided busway and Park & Ride, all within a 10 to 15 minutes cycle ride or guided busway journey from Trumpington South. • Sustainable connections are set to improve with a planned extension of the busway to the new South West Travel Hub to the south of the site, trials of Autonomous vehicles on the busway, and a planned new railway station at Cambridge South. • Trumpington South is well placed to take maximum advantage of proposed transport infrastructure and can build on these sustainable credentials, extending them and delivering a distinctive residential quarter with a thriving active travel culture. 3.72 Providing the right community infrastructure to support development is also important. Trumpington South will benefit from existing infrastructure at Trumpington Meadows which will be available from day one of occupation. Trumpington South will provide facilities on-site to support the new and existing communities, including a primary school, a mobility hub with community concierge services, co-working and community spaces and recreation facilities. 3.73 Trumpington South residents will also benefit from direct access to the existing Trumpington Meadows Country Park, alongside the significant on-site green infrastructure proposals, which include 23 Hectares of new parkland with multi-functional open spaces, community gardens, functional water attenuation features and significant areas of biodiversity. The provision and access to Green Infrastructure in development can assist with early place-making.