Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

2.41. The emerging Local Plan should aspire to a high standard of design whilst taking a pragmatic approach to specific site considerations. Specific policy requirements, such as the incorporation of minimum space standards and the energy efficiency measures, need to be appropriately justified as part of the supporting evidence base.

2.42. Local infrastructure such as schools, health facilities and leisure facilities are key elements of new development. The Issues and Options report identifies at page 67 the importance of the timing of infrastructure delivery and this is considered to be a priority. It is recommended the Councils are informed by robust technical studies including the Local Transport Plan, planning for school places, and viability assessments to consider how and when key infrastructure is delivered. 2.43. Consideration should also be given to the potential development has to unlock opportunities for expansion of existing infrastructure, in particular schools.

2.44. In preparing the Local Plan, consideration needs to be given to existing and planned transport improvements within the area and how these could encourage a shift away from car use. In recent weeks there have been a number of key announcements and public consultations in respect of strategic transport schemes including East West Rail and Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro.  ‘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’. Hauxton is located within the ‘preferred route option area’.  ‘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’ network. ‘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 CAM network route with connections to the new Cambridge South Rail Station. 2.45. Consideration should also be given to the potential development has to act as a catalyst to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport through well integrated footways and cycleways, and accessibility to public transport.

Yes

2.46. Yes, strong support is given to a Green Belt Review. 2.47. The release of sites from the Green Belt will unlock the potential for sustainable sites such as ‘Land South of High Street, Hauxton’. The site was submitted in response to the 'Call for Sites' in March 2019 on behalf of Redrow Homes Ltd. It 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. 2.48. This submission is supported by a Landscape and Visual Appraisal and Green Belt Review Report (Appendix 2) for which identifies the site has a ‘Moderate-Low value’ in terms of the functions and use of the Green Belt. 2.49. As highlighted elsewhere in this submission, consideration needs to be given to existing and planned transport improvements within the area and how these could encourage a shift away from car use. In recent weeks there have been a number of key announcements and public consultations in respect of strategic transport schemes including East West Rail and Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro.  '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’. Hauxton is located within the 'preferred route option area'.  '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' (CAM) network. '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 CAM network route with connections to the new Cambridge South Rail Station.

Nothing chosen

2.50. The South Cambridgeshire Local Plan classifies villages into four categories dependent on the availability of local services and public transport connectivity. Whilst broad support is given to this approach it discourages larger scale proposals which could incorporate or unlock the delivery of key facilities. As such the amount of housing (and number of jobs) to be delivered in villages should be considered more positively going forward. 2.51. It is strongly recommended that South Cambridgeshire District Council commissions an up to date settlement assessment identifying key facilities at each settlement taking into consideration planned transport improvements within the area.

Nothing chosen

2.50. The South Cambridgeshire Local Plan classifies villages into four categories dependent on the availability of local services and public transport connectivity. Whilst broad support is given to this approach it discourages larger scale proposals which could incorporate or unlock the delivery of key facilities. As such the amount of housing (and number of jobs) to be delivered in villages should be considered more positively going forward. 2.51. It is strongly recommended that South Cambridgeshire District Council commissions an up to date settlement assessment identifying key facilities at each settlement taking into consideration planned transport improvements within the area.

No choices made

Response to Question 42 2.52. There needs to be a balanced approach to the location for new development across Greater Cambridge to support the area a whole. Of the options presented at Fig 26 (page 81), none of the options should be pursued in isolation. Instead a blended option, favouring sustainable and accessible locations should be supported. 2.53. It is crucial that the emerging Local Plan does not limit development at villages in such a way that they stagnate. Development is often critical to continued viability of villages and maintenance of existing services and incorporation of new open space and play facilities to the benefit of new and existing residents. 2.54. 'Land south of High Street' is a site which 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. The documents appended to these representations identify how development could be successfully accommodated at the site following its release from the Green Belt. 2.55. 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. In respect of 'East-West Rail', Hauxton is located within the preferred route area for the new rail line connection between Bedford and Shelford Rail Station. Most recently '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. 2.56. We welcome further opportunity for engagement in the Local Plan making process to highlight the potential for sustainable residential development at 'Land south of High Street, Hauxton'.

No choices made

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.