Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020
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Results for M Scott Properties Ltd. search
New searchLand to the South of The Causeway, Kneesworth
1.66
Agricultural (arable) use.
N/A
Reference SC/0098/64/ - outline planning application for residential development refused in March 1964.
Greenfield
Residential development 25 no. single storey dwellings suitable for those aged 55 and over as well as those with or supporting someone with a disability, with associated site infrastructure and public open space.
As detailed in the Demographic Report provided at Appendix 3, there is a significant ageing population in Kneesworth and the immediate area, with 64% of the population growth in the local area in the next 5 years being in the 55 and over age category. The provision of specialist accommodation for older people allows people to downsize while remaining in the local area and close to friends and family. New family housing also comes to the market as a result, reducing the pressure to provide additional family housing sites in the local area. The proposed development could also make a significant contribution towards affordable housing provision in a relatively expensive area with a high housing need. Public open space will be provided for the enjoyment of both new and existing residents, and it will be possible to deliver net biodiversity gains compared to the current intensive agricultural use through the provision of green infrastructure, wildlife corridors and dedicated ecology areas.
The site can accommodate 25 no. single storey dwellings as per the Masterplan provided at Appendix 4. The Masterplan shows a housing mix consisting of: 6 no. 1 bed properties 8 no. 2 bed properties 11 no. 3 bed properties
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The site abuts The Causeway to the north, and access is achievable into the site, as demonstrated in the accompanying Masterplan (Appendix 4) and Site Access Plan (Appendix 5).
A small area in the south-eastern corner of the site is located within Flood Zone 2 and is therefore not suitable for residential use. The proposed Masterplan provided at Appendix 4 shows how this constraint has been worked around to provide an attractive area of public open space with potential for community use and ecological enhancements.
Connections to key utilities can be made via The Causeway to the north.
The site is available immediately and is currently being promoted through the emerging Bassingbourn-cum-Kneesworth Neighbourhood Plan. Technical reports have been completed in the areas of Highways, Flood, Landscape and Ecology, and a detailed planning application could be submitted within 3 months of allocation.
The site is considered to be highly attractive. Scott Residential is very keen to develop the site and enquiries have been received from potential purchasers following the public consultation work carried out to date.
None
N/A
2020
2022
2
N/A
Land to the South of The Causeway, Kneesworth
1.66
No uploaded files for public display
Agricultural (arable) use.
n/a
Reference SC/0098/64/ - outline planning application for residential development refused in March 1964.
Greenfield
Residential development 25 no. single storey dwellings suitable for those aged 55 and over as well as those with or supporting someone with a disability, with associated site infrastructure and public open space.
As detailed in the Demographic Report provided at Appendix 3, there is a significant ageing population in Kneesworth and the immediate area, with 64% of the population growth in the local area in the next 5 years being in the 55 and over age category. The provision of specialist accommodation for older people allows people to downsize while remaining in the local area and close to friends and family. New family housing also comes to the market as a result, reducing the pressure to provide additional family housing sites in the local area. The proposed development could also make a significant contribution towards affordable housing provision in a relatively expensive area with a high housing need. Public open space will be provided for the enjoyment of both new and existing residents, and it will be possible to deliver net biodiversity gains compared to the current intensive agricultural use through the provision of green infrastructure, wildlife corridors and dedicated ecology areas.
The site can accommodate 25 no. single storey dwellings as per the Masterplan provided at Appendix 4. The Masterplan shows a housing mix consisting of: 6 no. 1 bed properties 8 no. 2 bed properties 11 no. 3 bed properties
No uploaded files for public display
The site abuts The Causeway to the north, and access is achievable into the site, as demonstrated in the accompanying Masterplan (Appendix 4) and Site Access Plan (Appendix 5).
N/A
A small area in the south-eastern corner of the site is located within Flood Zone 2 and is therefore not suitable for residential use. The proposed Masterplan provided at Appendix 4 shows how this constraint has been worked around to provide an attractive area of public open space with potential for community use and ecological enhancements.
Connections to key utilities can be made via The Causeway to the north.
The site is available immediately and is currently being promoted through the emerging Bassingbourn-cum-Kneesworth Neighbourhood Plan. Technical reports have been completed in the areas of Highways, Flood, Landscape and Ecology, and a detailed planning application could be submitted within 3 months of allocation.
The site is considered to be highly attractive. Scott Residential is very keen to develop the site and enquiries have been received from potential purchasers following the public consultation work carried out to date.
None
N/A
2020
2022
2
N/A
No uploaded files for public display
Land to the West of South Street, Comberton, CB23 7DT
6.00
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Agricultural (arable) use. The site area is 6.03 hectares
N/A
Planning permission was granted for the use of a small area of the eastern part of the land to be used for educational use, under reference C/0727/71/O.
Greenfield
Residential development of circa 120 no.dwellings, including a significant proportion of single storey dwellings suitable for those aged 55 and over as well as those with or supporting someone with a disability, with associated site infrastructure and public open space.
As detailed in the Demographic Report provided at Appendix 4, there is a significant ageing population in Comberton, with 96% of the population growth in the local area in the next 5 years being in the 55 and over age category (compared to a district average of 62%). The provision of specialist accommodation for older people allows people to downsize while remaining in the local area and close to friends and family. New family housing also comes to the market as a result, reducing the pressure to provide additional family housing sites in the local area. The proposed development could also make a significant contribution towards affordable housing provision in a relatively expensive area with a high housing need. Public open space will be provided for the enjoyment of both new and existing residents, and it will be possible to deliver net biodiversity gains compared to the current intensive agricultural use through the provision of green infrastructure, wildlife corridors and dedicated ecology areas.
The site area is 6.03ha, of which circa 70% is estimated to be developable allowing for site infrastructure, landscape buffers and public open space. A net density of 27.5 dpa has been assumed to reflect the village location and given that a high proportion of single storey accommodation is proposed. This gives a yield of c. 120 dwellings.
No answer given
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The current access to the site is by means of a private road from South Street. An upgraded access would be required to serve the proposed development. An access appraisal has been undertaken and identified potential accesses from South Street, Kentings and Barrons Way. Initial discussions have taken place with the relevant Landowners and it will be possible to acquire third party land for a suitable access should the site be identified as being suitable for development.
No answer given
An area around the south and west of the site is shown on the flood maps as being at risk of surface water flooding. There is a Grade II listed building at Birdlines Manor Farmhouse within 100m of the site's eastern boundary. There is mature hedgerow to the site's boundaries, as well as two internal field boundaries which run north to south within the site - these will be of ecological importance. Surface water can be managed on-site through SUDS and appropriate attenuation measures. A landscape buffer would be provided to the entire southern boundary to provide a stronger Green Belt boundary and to protect the setting of the heritage asset. The existing hedgerows would be maintained and enhanced where possible, leading to a net biodiversity gain compared to the current intensive agricultural use.
No answer given
Connections to key utilities can be made via the adjoining housing development to the north, or South Street to the east as appropriate.
The site is currently designated as Green Belt, meaning that a release through a Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plan would need to be secured before a planning application could be submitted and the site made available for development.
Comberton is a highly desirable village with an excellent range of amenities including the OFSTED 'Outstanding' rated Comberton Village College. The village's proximity and accessibility to Cambridge and the M11 is reflected by a strong local housing market. As such it can be stated with confidence that the site benefits from high market attractiveness.
Options for a principal site access have been identified and this could be delivered should the site be identified as being suitable for development.
N/A
2024 (Assuming adoption of the Local Plan in Summer 2023)
2027
circa 4
N/A
Response to Question 2 - Additional Info on site 2.1 Land at Frog End, Shepreth, is submitted as a potential allocation for mixed use residential and employment in the Local Plan. The extent of the site is shown on the site location plan at Appendix 1. 2.2 The Site is located on the south-western edge of Shepreth and is currently in agricultural use. It is relatively flat and well contained by existing tree planting. The railway line runs along the western boundary of the Site. 2.3 There is an existing agricultural access to the site from Meldreth Road to the north, between two properties. There is a second access to the site via the existing farm and Moor End Lane, which forms a junction with Frog End and the High Street 2.4 The site is immediately adjoining the existing development framework boundary of Shepreth. It is bound by existing residential properties to the north and north-east, by areas of open space and Manor Farm to the east and open countryside to the south and west. 2.5 The L-Moor Shepreth SSSI lies to the south-west of the Site. 2.6 The Shepreth Conservation Area lies to the east of the Site, which includes the Grade II* Listed Church of All Saints, together with a number of other Grade II Listed Buildings. In addition, two further Grade II Listed Buildings lie to the south of the Site. The Initial Heritage Assessment prepared by Bidwells LLP and accompanying these representations identifies and assesses the significance of these heritage assets. 2.7 A network of Public Rights of Ways run through and adjacent to the site including Footpath 200/1 that runs through the site from the High Street to the east to the railway line where it meets and diverges from Footpath 200/2 through to Meldreth Road and Footpath 200/12 that runs to the south of the site. 2.8 The site is within the Environment Agency defined Flood Zone 1 in terms of flooding from rivers and surface water (very low risk of flooding). Existing Planning Policy Context 2.9 National Planning Policy advises that to promote sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. It adds that planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services. Where there are groups of smaller settlements, development in one village may support services in a village nearby (NPPF, Paragraph 78). 2.10 National Planning Policy also confirms that planning policies should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt (NPPF, paragraph 80). The NPPF specifically states that “Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development” 2.11 The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) (2018) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Industrial Strategy (2019) have each outlined ambitious plans for growth over the next 20 years. 2.12 Furthermore, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) has set a target of doubling the regional economic growth (GVA) over the next 25 years. This requires the area going beyond what it has achieved in the past (to double an economy over twenty-five years requires an average annual growth rate of 2.81%. Historically, since 1998, the local economy has only grown at around 2.5%.). Achieving this requires employment growth and more importantly productivity growth, as we are already at comparatively high levels of employment. 2.13 In order to deliver this ‘step change’ in economic performance, the Consultation document states that around 2,900 homes a year would need to be built in Greater Cambridge if the jobs growth is achieved – an indicative total of 66,700 homes over 2017 – 2040. This compares with 1,800 homes per year to meet local needs using the Government’s standard method. 2.14 The Housing Needs Report by Bidwells LLP also confirms there is a need to provide for an amount of housing above the standard methodology to take account of the pressing and worsening affordability issue and to support the aspiration to grow the Greater Cambridge economy and double the GVA across the Greater Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area. The Opportunity 2.15 Shepreth lies within a key public transport corridor, with a railway station providing direct links to Cambridge (a journey time of just 12 minutes) and beyond to London. There are off road cycle links to Melbourn and Cambridge. The Site is located within 800m of Shepreth railway station, which equates to an 8-minute walk or 2-minute cycle ride. The proximity of the Site to the station therefore makes it readily accessible by active modes of travel, particularly cycling. 2.16 Furthermore, the A10 runs to the east of the village, which is a strategic transport corridor within Greater Cambridge, where numerous transport improvements are planned to deliver a high quality public transport corridor, including: ● Proposed improved transport interchange at Trumpington A10/M11 junction (approximately 8.5km from the Site); and ● Park and ride and potential CAM station site at Hauxton (approximately 8km from the Site). 2.17 The nearest bus stop to the Site is located on the A10 to the east of the Site. Stagecoach operates bus service D/A from the stop which provides an hourly service between Cambridge and Royston. The accompanying Transport Appraisal confirms that this stop is within a 3-minute cycle ride from the Site and a 14-minute walk. 2.18 There are also excellent local cycle connections from the Site to Melbourn and Cambridge. Furthermore, Shepreth is closely associated with the neighbouring villages of Foxton, Barrington, Meldreth and Melbourn. These settlements are within walking and cycling distance from Shepreth and linked by the public footpath network, thus providing a further range of services and facilities as well as extensive employment opportunities at Melbourn Science Park. 2.19 As such, the Site is well located to reduce the need to travel by car, and can promote sustainable travel. Further public transport enhancements are also proposed that will improve connectivity to Shepreth by sustainable and active modes of transport. 2.20 A variety of facilities and services are also currently available within walking distance of the Site including a village hall, a pre-school, a church, two pubs with dining and a tearoom. The village is also home to Docwra’s Manor Garden (Shepreth) and Shepreth Wildlife Park, which offer formal outdoor recreation activities. Shepreth also has a Recreation Ground, which has a senior football pitch and cricket pitch; an area of informal open space known as ‘Old School Field’; community growing space, which includes an allotment and a community orchard; a burial ground; and a network of public rights of way, providing access to local countryside and beauty spots such as the River Shep. 2.21 Land at Frog End, Shepreth provides an ideal opportunity to create a sustainable extension to the village. There is an opportunity to deliver a diverse range of accommodation types, community infrastructure and initiatives to meet the needs of those within the locality, and within the wider district, on the Site. 2.22 To that end, the emerging concept proposal for the Site has been informed by a ‘Village Assessment’; a high level socio-economic assessment of Shepreth, covering open space, community infrastructure and employment. It has been prepared by Bidwells LLP to understand the opportunities and benefits that development in the village can bring, based on desk top research. 2.23 The Village Assessment has concluded the following potential opportunities for the Site in terms of open space, community facilities, education and employment. These have in turn informed the emerging concept proposal for the Site. Open Space ● Additional Local Areas of Play (LAPs) to serve residents of both existing and new homes. Theme of each lap to provide a broader range of opportunity for young children than currently exists in the village, thereby improving both the quality and quantity of play experiences; ● Provision of a Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play (NEAP), imaginative play and youth facilities including a range of play equipment and play space that offers a choice of play experience beyond that provided by typical play equipment. They would be located to serve both the current population and new development, to ensure maximum walking accessibility for all and help integrate new and existing families; ● Onsite provision of informal open space to meet SCDC standards for new development and make up the deficit of existing provision. Its location and accessibility via new walking / cycling routes that integrate the new and existing residents maximises the opportunity for informal socialising when people ‘bump’ into each other; ● Opportunities to contribute towards offsite improvements in the quality of the changing facilities in the village hall or new pavilion on the Recreation Ground; ● Opportunities to contribute towards offsite improvements to sports on offer at the Recreation Ground; Community Facilities ● Onsite provision of flexible, mixed-use space that could be used for retail by a local entrepreneur, to serve residents, employees and tourists; Education ● Improvements to public footpaths / cycleways to local schools, particularly Barrington and Foxton and expansion of cycle infrastructure at Shepreth railway station; ● Explore options to expand current pre-school provision including the need for additional space. This could be incorporated as part of a mixed-use area to provide facilities for residents and workers. Employment ● Provision of employment land to support local business growth (including incubation units for start-up businesses) and the wider regional / national growth objectives. The site offers a more affordable location for businesses, whilst also benefitting from close proximity to the station. 2.24 In addition to the above, M Scott Properties Ltd are committed to delivering an enhanced level of affordable housing (45%) on the Site, in an area of high housing need. This would be delivered as part of a housing mix that responds to both local and District wide needs, providing new homes across a variety of types and tenures, potentially including self and custom build and specialist accommodation (subject to demand). 2.25 This rare opportunity to provide 45% affordable housing on the site has only been made available through the balanced views of the Landowner and Promoter associated with the project. 2.26 To inform this proposal further, an Affordable Housing Need report has been prepared by Bidwells LLP and accompanies these representations. The report seeks to identify the need for affordable housing in South Cambridgeshire, and the role of the Site in meeting that need. The report confirms that affordability is a significant issue in the District, particularly for those in the lowest percentile of earnings. At present there is a limited supply of smaller properties, which typically are desired by those wishing to downsize, starting out on the property ladder or in housing need. Land at Frog End could also potentially help provide housing to meet the needs of particular population groups with specific physical requirements such as those with dementia (particularly those not yet diagnosed), people with physical difficulties and older people. Responding to the Four Big Themes 2.27 Since the submission of the ‘Call for Sites’ representations in March 2019, more detailed analysis of the site constraints and opportunities has been undertaken, informed by further technical assessment work. A summary of this assessment work is provided below. These assessments have specifically sought to respond to the four ‘big themes’ of the emerging Local Plan and in turn help shape the emerging concept proposals for the Site. Climate Change 2.28 The two Councils and the County Council have committed to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. In order to meet this challenge, the Local Plan will need to plan for low-carbon lifestyles and encourage low carbon activities and alternatives to private car use. 2.29 The Local Plan will also need to promote highly sustainable patterns for growth, by locating development in sustainable areas such as Shepreth to enable travel by low-carbon modes thus reducing car use to ease congestion and reduce airborne pollutants. The same measures offer opportunities to promote active travel choices (walking, cycling) to enhance health and wellbeing. 2.30 Land at Frog End would achieve both of these measures, being located immediately adjoining an existing settlement and within walking distance of a railway station, being of a size able to accommodate a sustainable level of growth for the village and within the A10 strategic growth corridor and its associated active travel and public transport opportunities. 2.31 A Transport Appraisal for the Site has been prepared by Cannon Consulting Engineers and accompanies these representations. This confirms that the site is extremely well located for access to key facilities and services, including transport infrastructure such as Shepreth Railway Station and the A10 which is served by northbound and southbound services. Furthermore, there are a number of strategic schemes coming forward in association with the A10 Strategic Public Transport Corridor which will improve mobility in the area. 2.32 A number of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures could also be incorporated in to redevelopment proposals for the Site, such as: ● Passive design measures which lower the cooling requirement and have shorter lifecycles, such as solar shading and high fabric performance; ● Improvements to water efficiency, such as water efficient fittings and metering and systems which recover water; ● Design measures to minimise waste volume as far as possible, through the careful selection of materials and the use of techniques such as off-site and modern methods of construction, material consumption, waste volumes, and product quality; ● Improvements to flood resilience through incorporation of a range of future climate scenarios that better manage the water runoff into the wider drainage system; ● Green infrastructure to offer greater resilience to a warmer and drier climate than currently exists and to provide broader ecosystem services such as forming part of a sustainable drainage system. Biodiversity and Green Spaces 2.33 Both Councils have declared biodiversity emergencies and, as members of the Natural Cambridgeshire Local Nature Partnership, the Councils support the Partnership’s vision to double the area of rich wildlife habitats and natural greenspaces within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. 2.34 M Scott Properties Ltd recognise the importance of improving the natural environment and are committed to achieving in excess of 10% Net Environmental Gain in respect to potential redevelopment proposals at Land at Frog End. The Site in particular presents an opportunity to provide new areas of green infrastructure to mitigate against climate change, through creating resilient new habitats. These new habitats can also create health and wellbeing benefits through improved provision of green spaces to relax and socialise. 2.35 M Scott Properties Ltd is a member of the Natural Cambridgeshire Developers’ Forum seeking to understand best practice and to understand where opportunities exist to increase biodiversity on sites. Their sites are assessed against the Developing with Nature Toolkit, with a view to exceeding the proposed ‘Charter Mark’ threshold. Through the proposed development at Frog End, there is scope to double the L-Moor SSSI adjacent to the site. M Scott Properties Ltd are also committed to the ‘doubling with nature’ initiative promoted by Natural Cambridgeshire. 2.36 A site-wide ecological appraisal and background desk study was completed by Geosphere and accompanies these representations. The key findings from the appraisal are summarised below: ● There are no overriding ecological constraints to development of the Site; ● There are no statutory or non-statutory designated sites within the Site; ● L-Moor SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) is adjacent to the site but subject to provision of an appropriate buffer zone this would not preclude development on the Site; ● The habitats within the site are of limited intrinsic ecological interest; ● The site presents opportunities to achieve a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain on site through a sensitively designed, landscape-led scheme which would incorporate, wherever possible, native species of local provenance and those of known value to native wildlife to offer biodiversity gains post-development. 2.37 A Tree Survey and Constraints Plan was prepared by Geosphere Environmental in February 2020 and accompanies these representations. This confirms that there are a number of Category A trees and trees subject to TPO but these are largely located around the boundaries of the site and as such are able to be retained. 2.38 There are some Category A and B trees located as lines of trees separating the arable fields and small sections of these groups may have to be removed to facilitate development. However, where possible the least vegetated areas will be targeted for removal. The emerging concept proposal also illustrates that the scheme will be able to deliver extensive new landscaping and trees in compensation for any loss. 2.39 In addition to the above, a Phase 1 – Desk Study and Preliminary Risk Assessment has been completed by Geosphere Environmental and accompanies these representations. This confirms that the site has been largely open, undeveloped agricultural land over the historical period studied (1886 – 2020), with the exception of the southern field where a number of properties were noted to exist from the earliest map until their removal in the 1970’s. As such, it concluded that no contaminants were identified that may impact upon the site. Wellbeing and Social Inclusion 2.40 National Planning Policy requires that Local Plans should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places. 2.41 As referred to above, the Local Plan will need to promote sustainable development in rural areas in locations that allow existing villages to grow and thrive but also enable travel by low-carbon modes such as walking, cycling and public transport, thus reducing car use to ease congestion and reduce airborne pollutants. The same measure offers opportunities to promote active travel choices (walking, cycling) to enhance health, wellbeing and social inclusion. 2.42 Land at Frog End, Shepreth is one such example of sustainable development that can positively influence individual’s health and lifestyle. Further measures of how the Site could achieve ‘good growth’ that promotes wellbeing and social inclusion, is outlined below: ● Securing improvements in air quality through promotion of a low car use development thus reducing car use to ease congestion and reducing airborne pollutants; ● Encouraging healthy lifestyles through provision of employment opportunities in a highly accessible location by low-carbon modes, thus encouraging active travel; ● Proximity to local services and amenities bringing opportunities for social interaction and community development; ● Opportunities for new build design to provide all-electric heating and hot water systems to avoid the on-site combustion of fossil fuels; ● Creation of a safe and inclusive community through provision of a wide range of jobs; and ● Creation of high quality buildings and public realm. Great Places 2.43 A key issue for Land at Frog End will be how to balance heritage and countryside protection with the demands of growth. 2.44 In terms of heritage protection, the Site lies to the south of Shepreth Conservation Area, which includes the Grade II* Listed Church of All Saints, together with a number of other Grade II Listed Buildings. In addition, two further Grade II Listed Buildings lie to the south of the Site. In order to protect the significance and setting of the Conservation Area and the Church in particular, the proposed layout seeks to incorporate a significant area of retained open space within the centre of the Site. This will ensure that views of the Church of All Saints are retained from Meldreth Road to the west and from public rights of way to the south. 2.45 An initial Heritage Assessment has been prepared by Bidwells LLP which has informed the emerging concept proposal and accompanies these representations. As the design proposals progress, a detailed Heritage Appraisal will be required in order to ensure impacts are mitigated as much as possible through the location, form, scale and design of the scheme. However, at this stage it is considered that there would be minor adverse impact caused to the setting of the nearby heritage assets. This is at the level of “less than substantial” harm. 2.46 Ultimately, a balanced judgement would be required for any development proposals in terms of the impact on the significance of designated heritage assets and the public benefits arising. The Site has the potential to deliver significant public benefits, as outlined below: ● The opportunity to deliver housing, employment and community infrastructure to help meet the needs of Shepreth and the local area; ● Supporting Shepreth’s economy and community, including local shops and services at a time when villages are seeing a reduction in services and facilities; ● Housing development in a sustainable travel location: high (and improving) public transport accessibility; cycling accessibility to transport interchanges and Cambridge; ● Development that brings health and wellbeing benefits to its residents and the wider community through: - high quality housing design; - additional public open space which offers mental and physical wellbeing benefits; - opportunity to travel sustainably helping to tackle air pollution as well as bring physical benefits; ● Helping to maximise the benefits arising from major investment in the A10 corridor associated with sustainable transport and active travel; and ● A promoter who wishes to work with the community in order to shape a proposal which meets the needs of and can provide wider benefits to the village. 2.47 Details on the emerging concept proposal is provided below and within the accompanying Vision Document. The intention is to create a sustainable, mixed-use village extension, incorporating a series of distinctive character areas and with extensive areas of high quality public open space for existing and proposed new residents. The Emerging Concept Proposals 2.48 A suite of technical appraisals has been undertaken that have assessed the Site in terms of its capacity to accommodate the proposed development and its relationship with the surrounding area; all of which demonstrate that there are no insurmountable constraints to development of the Site. 2.49 As such, the Site is capable of being sensitively designed so as to develop as a distinct place within its own character, responding appropriately to its landscape and heritage setting. There is also scope to provide improvements to existing community infrastructure provision for Shepreth residents. 2.50 The supporting Vision Document includes further details for the proposed development on the Site, which includes a mixed-use development comprising the following elements: ● An enhanced level of affordable housing (45%), addressing specific local needs and providing new homes across a variety of types and tenures, potentially to include for key worker accommodation; ● Residential development for approximately 200 new homes to meet local needs, including: single-storey bungalows (LifeLong HomesTM) and almshouse-style properties to address the needs of people aged over 60 as well as those with or supporting someone with a disability; provision of self or custom build housing; opportunities for a Community Land Trust; ● The residential developable area comprises approximately 7.8 ha, which equates to an average density of 31 dwellings per hectare (dph) which is considered suitable for an edge of village extension; ● Provision of approximately 36,000 sq ft of modern, high quality, flexible commercial floorspace at the entrance to the Site to accommodate enterprises at a range of scales and provide new job opportunities for existing and new residents and those living nearby; ● Provision of approximately 6,000 sq ft of land for community use, providing a serviced plot with the full flexibility for the local community to decide which type of facility is required; ● Transformation of over 14ha of privately owned agricultural land into publicly accessible areas of open space and woodland, together with new and enhanced opportunities for informal and formal recreation to promote health and wellbeing (as identified in the Village Assessment the areas of informal play could include for a LAP, NEAP, imaginative play and/or youth facilities); ● Provision in excess of 10% Net Environmental Gain as a result of the extensive network of retained and proposed green spaces providing opportunities for an increase in natural habitat and ecological features, including the potential to double the L-Moor Shepreth SSSI that lies to the south-west of the site through consultation with the Wildlife Trust; ● Provision of a new vehicular access road from Frog End to the south, in the form of a priority junction. This would be the main vehicular access to the proposed development and would serve the existing farm; ● The existing northern farm access from Meldreth Road is proposed to be upgraded to a shared pedestrian and cycleway, providing a link to the existing footway network and onward journeys towards Shepreth railway station; ● The existing Moor End Lane footpath from Frog End will be maintained and could provide a secondary point of access. 2.51 The site is under an Option Agreement with M Scott Properties Ltd. The site has market potential and expert residential agency advice has been sought to ensure that the proposal is deliverable.
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3.2 The proposed Local Plan period up to 2040 is considered appropriate and to accord with the requirements set out within the NPPF for local authorities to identify a sufficient supply and mix of sites between years 1-15 of the plan (Para 67).
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4.2 The four big themes for the Local Plan are considered suitable and all are considered to be important in the consideration of the spatial distribution of growth in the district, and for the determination of planning applications. The four big themes will generate a new way of planning, this may require a different way to make decisions; to allow other impacts to happen in order to achieve these four priorities. The Local Plan policy framework will need to allow for a clear planning balance to take place to assess and prioritise impacts.
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4.4 The increased focus on climate change is welcomed. Climate change policy and good practice is changing quickly, and the plan will need to build in suitable flexibility to accommodate these changes within the lifetime of the plan. Climate change scenarios predict extensive changes by 2050, much of which is dependent on government and human action so there is substantial uncertainty over outcomes. 4.5 A needlessly stringent policy may inadvertently impede progress towards later years in the plan, or undermine results by not allowing for site-specific refinement. For example, policy for electric vehicle charging points should be sufficiently flexible to accommodate that quickly changing technology, as well the current grid challenges in implemented EV charging places. Energy policies should include flexibility for changing legislation, and technology, as well as the opportunity to refine a plan-wide policy for site specifics. As the Zero Carbon Futures Symposium Report (2019) submitted within the evidence base notes on page 10: where targets are too limited, and without consideration of project contexts, policy can drive dysfunctional behaviour such as photovoltaic solar panels being installed on North facing roofs merely to achieve policy compliance not to produce effective carbon reductions. 4.6 Allowing for changing technologies and approaches should also help with viability as technology and approaches improve and are more widely adopted, thereby reducing costs. Escalating targets and policies may be able to accommodate these changes, while providing clarity to developers on the costs of development over time. 4.7 The local plan Sustainability Appraisal (SA) should address variable climate change scenarios, as we would expect that different climate changes scenarios will be of interest at examination. Lack of rigorous assessment of these scenarios in the SA is could lead to the plan being found unsound.
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4.8 Greater Cambridge is a leading local authority on climate change policy, such as through the early declaration of a climate change emergency and also through the newly adopted Sustainable Development SPD. This leadership should continue, as it is central to the sustainable development of Cambridge, leading to better development for humans, the environment, and for economic development. It should be borne in mind that Cambridge's knowledge economy increasingly demands high sustainability standards: sustainability, health and wellbeing, with climate change at the heart, is a key part of continuing Cambridge's economic development. This should remain a priority as part of a policy framework the recognises climate change as a key part of sustainable development across social, environmental and economic objectives.
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A policy approach with multiple options for delivering net zero carbon is likely to be most effective in delivering development, as well as carbon neutrality. A multi-pronged approach should allow different solutions for different developments, reflecting context. For example, for some developments, Passivhaus energy standards may be achievable (going well above and beyond minimums set out in the Building Regulations), but for others, Building Regulations may need to be followed but an offset solution, such as a green bond or offset fund, could be used to achieve a net carbon reduction. Possible options need to be worked up in more detail as the Plan progresses and must build in flexibility.
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4.10 The Local Plan should form a flexible policy framework, so as not to stifle the benefits of new technology or modern methods of construction. 4.11 For reference as to how Land at Frog End could contribute towards adapting to climate change and achieving net zero carbon, please refer to Section 2 of these representations.
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