Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Response to Question 2 - Additional Information 2.2. ‘Land south of High Street, Hauxton’ was submitted in response to the ‘Call for Sites’ in March 2019 on behalf of Redrow Homes Ltd. This site represents an opportunity for sustainable expansion of Hauxton immediately adjacent to existing housing and Hauxton Primary School. The site is also well related to existing public transport links, including Shelford Railway Station and bus stops connected by bus routes into the city centre. 2.3. The site is promoted with an indicative density range of 30 to 35 dwelling per hectare, as such the site has an indicative capacity of 240 and 280 dwellings. 2.4. Additional technical information has now been prepared is appended to this submission to inform the forthcoming Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and the next stage of local plan consultation. 2.5. A Landscape and Visual Appraisal and Green Belt Review can be found at Appendix 2.  Paragraph 2.14 of the LVA report explains that the sites is considered to be of ‘Moderate-Low Landscape value’. It is noted that “the site is of simple composition with few defining elements to distinguish it, it is relatively well enclosed by established off-site vegetation with a relatively intact historic field pattern that presently provides and defines the settlement edge of Hauxton.”  Section 7 of the LVA report assesses the contribution the site makes to the five functions of Green Belt as set out at paragraph 134 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Paragraph 7.11 concludes that the site is considered to be of ‘Moderate-Low value’ in terms of the functions and use of the Green Belt. It is acknowledged at paragraph 7.11 that the site does have a Moderate – High openness but that, principally due to its noted sense of enclosure along its eastern and western boundaries, it is not located within a strategically important part of the Green Belt. It makes a limited contribution to the functions of the Green Belt in checking unrestricted sprawl and partial contribution to preventing settlements from merging into each other and safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. Additional consideration has been given to how the site contributes towards the purposes of the Cambridge Green Belt. Paragraph 7.25 notes that overall the site has a ‘negligible role’ in contributing to the perceived setting of Cambridge.  Paragraph 8.1 of LVA report lists the key landscape opportunities associated with residential development at the site which include: o “The Site is generally well-contained visually by a combination of existing vegetation, motorway embankment and built development meaning there are relatively few visual receptors likely to be affected by the introduction of development on the Site.” o “The opportunity to present a stronger, defined eastern edge to Hauxton village” o “Proximity to the existing village edge which provides the opportunity to integrate new development with the existing village fabric, with a connection to the existing road network via a new entrance close to the last property of Hauxton to the south of the High Street”. o “A broader opportunity to build upon the wooded and well-treed character of the area and to strengthen local landscape character whilst also addressing the more visually exposed areas of the Site, principally to the south.” 2.6. An indicative ‘Landscape Design Strategy’ accompanies the LVA report which illustrates how the key landscape features can be successfully accommodated as part of residential development at the site. This includes new areas of public open space and enhanced planting throughout the site with a particular focus along the western and southern boundaries of the site. 2.7. Given the proximity of the site to the raised M11 motorway an Air Quality Assessment (Appendix 3) and Acoustic Impact Assessment (Appendix 4) have been produced. Both reports conclude that the baseline acoustic and air quality results would not preclude residential development at the site. 2.8. In addition to the existing site context, it is worth considering the potential of the site in the context of emerging strategic public transport schemes.  ‘East-West Rail’ is a proposal by the East West Rail Company for a new railway line linking Bedford and Cambridge. On 30th January 2020 the Government announced the preferred route for the new rail line was consultation ‘Route Option E’1. Hauxton is located within the ‘preferred route option area’ with connectivity to Shelford Rail Station. ‘Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro’ is a vision for an expansive metro-style network proposed by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. On 27th February a public consultation was launched seeking views about the proposal and the indicative route map for the ‘Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro’ network2. ‘Hauxton Park and Ride’ is identified as part of the indicative network route with connections to the new Cambridge South Rail Station. ‘Cambridge South Rail Station’ is a proposal for a new rail station to the south of Cambridge to better integrate southern Cambridge to the rail network to primarily benefit Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth hospitals and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus but this will also benefit local residents. Network Rail launched a public consultation on 20th January 2020 about three site options for the new station. The consultation information identifies the delivery of the new station in 2025. As identified above, ‘Hauxton Park and Ride’ is identified as part of the indicative Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro network route with connections to the new Cambridge South Rail Station. 1https://eastwestrail-production.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/public/Preferred-Route-OptionAnnouncement/Files/f8983a114f/RouteOption_Web_Map_Full-002.pdf 2 https://cam.consultationonline.co.uk/the-proposals/

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Response to Question 3 2.9. An indicative ‘Landscape Design Strategy’ accompanies the LVA report (Appendix 2), this sets out some key landscape principles for residential development at this site including areas of public open space. Development would provide opportunities for the enhancement of existing features and creation of new habitats, provision of green infrastructure, including net biodiversity gain that is envisaged with these proposals. 2.10. Larger scale proposals clearly offer the greater opportunity for strategic green infrastructure than smaller individual sites, where often local requirements for green open space are not triggered, or are not possible due to site constraints.

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2.11. The Planning Practice Guidance states: “…The National Planning Policy Framework requires strategic policies to look ahead over a minimum 15 year period from adoption, although authorities are required to keep their policies under review…” (Paragraph: 012 Reference ID: 2a-012-20190220). 2.12. It is acknowledged that both the adopted Cambridge City Local Plan (2018) and the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan (2018), include policy commitments to undertake an early reviews of the respective Local Plans to commence before the end of 2019 with submission taking place by the end of Summer 2022. 2.13. A Greater Cambridge Local Development Scheme has been produced (as updated in November 2019) which identifies the key stages of the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan. A further Draft Local Plan (Reg 18) is to be published in Autumn 2020 and the Regulation 19 Proposed Submission Local Plan is due to be the subject of consultation in Autumn 2021. The Councils anticipate adoption of the emerging Local Plan in Summer 2023. 2.14. In light of the Council’s anticipated timescales, the emerging Local Plan could be adopted in 2023 and would therefore policies it would contain would have 17 year longevity, exceeding the minimum requirement for a 15 year longevity is supported. The additional flexibility allows for potential delays at Examination stage. 2.15. The Plan makes sensible assumptions about the timescales to be considered for growth. There will be substantial change in the period to 2040, including those relating to the carbon zero agenda and the development of new public transport schemes, but this length of time is necessary both to meet the requirements of the NPPF and to properly consider how strategic infrastructure will work.

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2.16. It is essential not just for the prosperity of those living in the area, but also for the wider region, that Greater Cambridge plays its part in delivering economic and housing growth. 2.17. Support is given to the approach to consultation with wider partnerships, and places particular emphasis on the need to deliver the growth associated with the Oxford Cambridge Arc. Engagement with key cross boundary stakeholders will require co-ordination with the combined Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Authority together with the County Council and other Local Authority neighbours.

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2.18. Sustainable development is defined within the National Planning Policy Framework. Paragraph 8 explains that achieving sustainable development means pursuing the three objectives of economic, social and environmental in mutually supportive ways. Whilst these are interdependent they need to be pursed in mutually supportive ways. 2.19. The big themes are an excellent way to progress the underpinning principles for growth in Greater Cambridge. Care needs to be used in prioritising each of these themes, as informed by the supporting evidence base, in particular the Sustainability Appraisal. It is clear that the location of new development will play a key part in sustainability principles, including impacts on traffic movements, which are a key factor affecting climate change, wellbeing, social inclusion and place making.

2.20. New development provides significant opportunities for improvements to the natural environment, particularly with larger scale development sites. Often, agricultural land provides little in terms of biodiversity except for in the field margins, whereas new developments are able to target specific biodiversity issues, and provide well planned green infrastructure that relates and connects to existing natural features. The Local Plan should require net biodiversity gains to be fully explored and provided.

2.21. Green Infrastructure is intrinsic to good design and should be planned as part of all new developments. Evidence shows that small green spaces provided throughout development increase the amounts of physical activity that residents carry out and, and that these spaces are encourage social interaction. Support should be given to development opportunities which connect with the existing green space network.

2.22. The Issues and Options report correctly identifies that net gains can be achieved at building design level through to strategic landscape management level. Net gain can also be achieved through off-site measures, although it would seem appropriate that mitigation is carried out on site where applicable. 2.23. In carrying out biodiversity assessments, value should be placed on the longevity of new communities and new natural habitats associated with them. These habitats are designed for perpetuity. Existing trees and hedgerows may be given high biodiversity value because of their longevity, but it should also be recognised that older trees will eventually die. New environmental features and natural habitats can have significant ecological value as they mature over a period of decades following construction. 2.24. It is acknowledged that DEFRA is piloting a ‘biodiversity net gain calculator’ and there is the ability for Local Authorities to prepare their own calculator, it is highly recommended that there is a clear, transparent and consistent guide to assist in the application of such a tool. This will be of benefit to Developers, the Councils and the local community.

Neither agree nor disagree

2.25. We neither agree nor disagree that this particular measure should be included in the Local Plan, until specific evidence has been considered. Whilst it would seem beneficial to increase tree cover across the area, but care should be used in determining how net biodiversity gains are maximised (as noted in response to question 14 above).

2.26. The promotion of social inclusion in Cambridgeshire is an important consideration. The provision of larger housing sites which deliver a range of house types, including affordable housing, provides opportunities for new inclusive neighbourhoods. Particularly if new residential development is well related to existing community facilities such as schools and in accessible locations. Access to public transport is a key measure for social inclusion. In less affluent households, a second car is often not available, limiting the ability of the household to access additional jobs.