Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Nothing chosen

2.56 As long as there is suitable provision of infrastructure in the settlement a site’s location in relation to present village settlement boundaries should not restrict the amount of housing that is brought forward. Each site should be treated on an individual basis. 2.57 Equally it is our view that it is not necessary to maximise the number of dwellings achieved on any given land allocation in the rural area – other considerations around good design, sustainable building form and social integration should also be prevailing factors.

2.59 Referring to Q42, the development should be dispersed throughout the villages to not over burden a single area with additional demands.

2.60 As stated in relation to Q42, development should be dispersed throughout the villages to not over burden a single area with additional demands. Where it is not required the development of Green Belt should be avoided and given the suitable sites that can be brought forward in village locations, development in the Green Belt is not necessary.

2.61 Whilst we consider that new settlement have a very important role in delivering substantial quantities of the social and economic growth that must be delivered, they are not the sole panacea to meeting the economic or housing objectives of the area. The issues of delivery are well known and their contribution, together with that from major urban extensions, needs to be complemented by a range of other elements and opportunities.

2.62 With regard to Q42-46, the most suitable solution is to disperse a proportion of development throughout the villages for their own sake and so as not over burden a single area with additional demands or over rely on a strategy that is of uncertain deliverability. This approach can help to sustain existing facilities in the village and create a more diverse population. And development should be allowed where there is sufficient infrastructure to support additional development or is located in close proximity to the main transport corridors. 2.63 Given Steeple Morden’s location near to the main transport corridors and infrastructure available within the settlement it would be well positioned to cater for a portion of the demand. In addition, due to the scale of the proposals the development could provide around 25 net additional dwellings as detailed in the accompanying plans.

No choices made

2.58 New development should be allocated throughout the villages, to mitigate the overall impact of housing throughout the area rather than overly impacting a single area. As we have noted in response to other questions, consideration of available infrastructure capacity, physical and social integration and the opportunities for individual or cumulative biodiversity enhancements are also relevant considerations as well as availability and the likelihood that the site will be delivered.

No choices made

Response to Question 7 2.13 The priority should be to ensure that the required level of housing is brought through the Local Plan whilst also seeking to ensure that the role of Greater Cambridge in the national economy is recognised and nurtured – see also our comments on 32.