Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Nothing chosen

As part of a hybrid approach to the distribution of new development, the new Local Plan should provide greater flexibility in allowing villages to grow to ensure their future vitality and viability, especially for those villages outside of the Cambridge Green Belt. This is essential in supporting a prosperous rural economy. This approach accords with Paragraph 78 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2019, which states that: “To promote sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. 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.” The current settlement envelopes for villages, such as Guilden Morden, are so tightly drawn around the existing built-form that there is little room for villages to grow and thrive. Greater consideration needs to be given in identifying suitable land within and adjacent the village boundaries to accommodate sustainable growth, especially in non-Green Belt locations. New development which could enhance the sustainability of the community, through the provision of additional footfall and potential for new community facilities, amenities, transport improvements to be delivered alongside housing to provide a betterment to the wider community, would contribute to a sound and sustainable spatial strategy for the new Local Plan. Summary of Comments: The new Local Plan should provide greater flexibility in allowing villages to grow to ensure their future vitality and viability, especially for those villages outside of the Cambridge Green Belt. This is essential in supporting a prosperous rural economy

Nothing chosen

There should be more flexibility when considering the scale and size of developments that are permitted within and adjoining village boundaries. The current settlement envelopes for villages, such as Guilden Morden, are so tightly drawn around the existing built-form that there is little room for villages to grow and thrive. Greater consideration needs to be given in identifying suitable land within and adjacent the village boundaries to accommodate sustainable growth, especially in non-Green Belt locations. New development which could enhance the sustainability of the community, through the provision of additional footfall and potential for new community facilities, amenities, transport improvements to be delivered alongside housing to provide a betterment to the wider community, would contribute to a sound and sustainable spatial strategy for the new Local Plan. Future policies should not restrict development to a certain number of dwellings but should instead encourage a design-led approach to achieve an appropriate density and allow consideration of wider community benefits as part of the overall planning balance. Summary of Comments: There should be more flexibility when considering the scale and size of developments that are permitted within and adjoining village boundaries. Future policies should not restrict development to a certain number of dwellings but should instead encourage a design-led approach to achieve an appropriate density and allow consideration of wider community benefits as part of the overall planning balance.