Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Disagree

Only in part. The net zero carbon theme is an aspirational target for a timeframe well beyond the life of the Plan. The Plan area faces serious challenges now, in terms of transport and affordable housing and the priority should be to address those immediate issues rather than such long-term aspirations. The achievement of net zero carbon will be influenced to a far greater degree by national legislation and fiscal measures rather than Local Plan policy. The four themes do not adequately affect housing affordability in Greater Cambridge which is a major issue for the population and for employers seeking to recruit new staff in that area.

Wellbeing and Social Inclusion, Biodiversity and Green Spaces, Great Places, Climate Change

The net zero carbon theme is an aspirational target for a timeframe well beyond the life of the Plan. The Plan area faces serious challenges now, in terms of transport and affordable housing and the priority should be to address those immediate issues rather than such long-term aspirations. The achievement of net zero carbon will be influenced to a far greater degree by national legislation and fiscal measures rather than Local Plan policy. The four themes do not adequately affect housing affordability in Greater Cambridge which is a major issue for the population and for employers seeking to recruit new staff in that area. There is a limit as to how much a Local Plan can achieve (as opposed to legislative or fiscal measures) but we suggest the Plan should concentrate on the following themes: • Locating new residential developments of any scale close to existing and proposed employment areas; • Locating development close to Cambridge and in key village settlements (i.e. Whittlesford); • Locating development in existing and proposed transport corridors; • Encouraging new tree planting in all new developments.

No, somewhat disagree

The adopted Local Plan already contains policy objectives relating to such matters. There needs to be a recognition that such initiatives will add to the cost of new development (both housing and commercial) and that, ultimately, such initiatives will feed into higher house prices and employment rents/values. That may be fine, but its effects do need to be considered so overall development viability must be assessed. It is not possible for the planning authorities to insist on high levels of affordable housing provision (i.e. 40%) and also weigh new development with additional costs associated with climate adaptation and resilience features. There will be a financial impact if policy requires such matters. Low carbon energy generation should be encouraged but should not be mandatory.

On the assumption that there will be enhanced public transport services in the future, then more consideration could be given to car-free developments or residential schemes with lower parking standards in suitable locations. New tree planting should be positively encouraged in all developments and there should be an ambitious Plan-wide network of longer distance footpath/cycleways linking villages to Cambridge and key employment areas

The Plan should continue as per the current situation – protect important natural areas and, where appropriate, encourage the provision of new greenspace associated with large scale development. Cambridge itself would benefit from further large-scale greenspace on its periphery - i.e. areas large enough to serve the whole population. There are potential opportunities to achieve major new green infrastructure associated with Green Belt release.

There should be a simple and proportionate, methodology set out in the Plan to allow demonstration of biodiversity gain associated with new development. For minor development (i.e. less than 10 dwellings for example) a standardised approach could be adopted but a more tailored approach may be necessary for ‘major’ development or site allocations. The Plan should clearly set out what the desirable biodiversity gains are.

There are numerous matters relevant here which are all reflected in the adopted Local Plan: • Proximity of housing to nearby employment; • Inclusion of affordable housing; • Include low cost starter homes in new larger developments; • Proximity of housing to non-car means of transport; • Large residential developments to be situated within close proximity to existing and planned public transport corridors; • New tree planting or biodiversity enhancements; • Quality of place-making; • Car-sharing and communal transport arrangements; • Enhanced public transport generally; • Technology to allow home and flexible working; and • Large developments to include new allotments, community woodlands/ orchards etc.

New green infrastructure, new non-car means of travel and co-locating housing and existing/planned employment areas.

The Local Plan should focus on the provision of new dwellings near existing employment opportunities which can be easily reached by public transport or on foot/bicycle. It should also focus on reducing traffic levels at problem areas and promotion of alternatives to the private car.