Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Nothing chosen

8.1 As part of the preparation of the Local Plan, a review of the Green Belt should be undertaken to assess whether land currently within the Cambridge Green Belt still serves the five purposes of the Green Belt as set out in paragraph 134 of the NPPF. Where land does not serve these five purposes or the fundamental aim of Green Belt policy, which is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open (NPPF paragraph 133), the Green Belt boundaries should be altered in the next Local Plan accordingly. 8.2 Furthermore, Green Belt land that no longer serves the five purposes and is in locations which facilitate more sustainable patterns of development, for example, land within close proximity to public transport corridors or adjacent to some of the larger villages in the District, should be released to contribute to reducing climate impacts. Land at Capital Park is located within the Green Belt and is considered to meet this requirement for Green Belt release: ● The existing built form and surrounding mature planting provides an opportunity to reconsider the Green Belt boundary in this location; ● The site should not be assessed in isolation, the Green Belt review should also consider the adjoining land; ● Some areas of the site have different degrees of enclosure due to the existing built form and tree cover, particularly in the northern area of the site where there are some existing vacant buildings. As such, they have less ‘visual openness’; ● The site is located next to an area of built form and a policy area that is designated for significant development; ● The site, due to its location and scale, is not considered to relate to the contribution of the Green Belt to the setting and character of Cambridge. 8.3 It is strongly recommended that a full Green Belt review is undertaken and that the site’s contribution to each purpose of the Green Belt is assessed. 8.4 Notwithstanding the need for a Green Belt review, given the initial findings above, the site’s location and the existing surrounding built form, it is considered that the site: ● Does not check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas – there is built development to the north and west of the site with a policy area designated for significant redevelopment. The removal of the site from the Green Belt would therefore not lead to unrestricted sprawl; ● Does not contribute to safeguarding the countryside from encroachment – as set out above, the site is largely surrounded by built development and whilst located outside of the development framework, is not considered to encroach on the countryside that is beyond the settlement pattern; and ● Does not preserve the setting and special character of a historic town – the removal of the site from the Green Belt would not impact on the setting and character of the Fulbourn Conservation Area. Due to its location and scale, the site is not considered to relate to the contribution of the Green Belt to the setting and character of Cambridge. 8.5 A Green Belt review should be undertaken to assess whether the current Green Belt boundary is enduring and includes defensible boundaries; where it does not, then the Local Plan process must take the opportunity to review and amend, such as Land at Capital Park. 8.6 The proposed development would respect the immediate character and would retain the openness of the Green Belt and purpose of the land to the same extent as existing neighbouring development. Land at Capital Park is therefore considered suitable to become a site allocation as it would comprise a moderate extension to the existing allocation of Capital Park and comprise suitable infill development.

‘Fulbourn and Ida Darwin Hospitals’ (Policy H/3) South Cambridgeshire Local Plan (2018) 9.1 The site is adjacent to but not currently within the area designated under Policy H/3 which allows for the redevelopment of the Ida Darwin Hospital comprising residential development and new mental health facilities at the Fulbourn Hospital Site. 9.2 It is requested that Policy H/3 be extended to include Land at Capital Park as it is considered a suitable and sustainable location for additional development. Above: Extract from South Cambridgeshire District Local Plan (2018)

No choices made

8.7 A combination of approaches to the distribution of spatial growth are considered likely to be necessary in order to allow for sufficient flexibility when considering the locations of new housing and employment development in the district. Land at Capital Park is considered to be an appropriate location for development, to maximise opportunities for residents to access local services and sustainable transport routes. Allocating this site will result in a moderate extension of the settlement boundary of Cambridge.

No choices made

The four big themes are all considered to be important aspects to achieving positive development. All four themes should be used to inform the spatial strategy within the Local Plan in terms of distributing growth and determining planning applications to deliver growth. It is therefore not considered necessary to rank the options in order of preference. 4.4 The proposed development of Land at Capital Park, Fulbourn could address the big themes in the following ways: ● Climate Change – Janus Henderson recognise the climate emergency and wish to deliver a development that embraces the new agenda to work towards net zero carbon. The proposed development will be designed to a high quality and incorporate low carbon technologies and energy efficiency measures. The site is also in a sustainable location with access to excellent public transport connections including the proposed Fulbourn Greenway, thereby reducing residents’ reliance on private cars for travel. ● Biodiversity and Green Space – through the provision of on-site green infrastructure to create recreational and ecological assets to be enjoyed by future and existing residents. ● Wellbeing and Social Inclusion – the proposals would incorporate public-facing commercial uses to offer a choice of services for workers and residents in the area. The proposals would also promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through the provision of on-site recreation and the site’s accessibility to employment, education, shops and public transport by active modes of travel. ● Great Places – there is an opportunity to maximise the site’s potential to deliver densification in a well connected area, providing open space on site and opportunities for increased recreation.