Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

To meet our needs, we need to know our needs. A record of those needs to be made available to all and particularly to developers so they can design towards those needs meaning that developers work towards meeting those needs, and not towards making the greatest profit. New homes are expected to be highly efficient with regards to energy and water conservation. Housing mix is also an essential point here as communities should be mixed and not one demographic. New housing should be built for a range of family sizes, income bracket and a range of ages.

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We cannot precisely predict what our housing needs will be in 20 years, but we need to build to what data we have. If that means building to the minimum, do it. This could mean that unexpected or unpredicted needs are not met but if the data is correct, this should be minimal. The numbers need to be achievable and publicised. If the data is accessible to all, businesses could be encouraged in knowing that housing stock in an area they are about to invest in is planned.

A mix is essential. We need to provide for individuals and large families with mixed abilities. It is essential that all apartments are built for those with limited mobility. The mix should also allow for individuals and families in different income brackets so clusters of individuals and families falling in a single demographic are discouraged, hence promoting mixed communities. The mix should also be data based.

It is essential the traveller communities (through the Gypsy Council and other organisations) are consulted on this and their opinions considered. The Gypsy and Traveller communities should not be able to bypass planning laws but communication with them is a necessity.

Developers must support the idea. If an application does not meet a criterion of high standard, you should be able to refuse on that basis. Where a design does not meet certain environmental criteria, an additional tax should be considered to encourage developers to choose a good eco-friendly standard. With regards to affordability, the current 40% must be enforced. Where a developer states they cannot afford to do this, if it is proven excess profits have been made after the homes are built and sold, the developer will have to pay a proportion into a fund for future affordable housing projects.

Identify the infrastructure requirements pre-build not post-build. Minimise developments that are too small meaning community facilities cannot work (financially or under used) to prevent isolated communities without shops, facilities and public transport. Businesses should also consider transport options for their staff before businesses are setup in a location.

A safe route to School, Work and other nearby facilities by car and bicycle are essential. Secure parking for bicycles is also essential. Regarding public transport, this needs to be an attractive alternative both financially and for comfort to the car. It also needs to be recognised that for some people, the car will be the only choice (e.g. mobility issues and Agoraphobia) which must be accepted so these people are not discriminated against. Businesses should also be encouraged to set up near potential employment areas to avoid long journeys and encourage walking and cycling. Developers needed to provide safe access to a new school in our Parish (Buxhall Farm) This required the creation of pathways and cycle paths so children can get to school without parents driving. This involved a lot of discussions but should have been in place at design stage. Safe walking paths are certainly required for Children and Dog walkers also.

Transport hubs need to be near homes and businesses to make public transport an option. Continuous review of infrastructure during this plan is also a good idea. The idea of utility companies working together so when roads/ pavements are dug up to lay new pipes/ cables, other utility companies are consulted to see if their needs can be met at the same time so roads are not dug up multiple times. Residents have concerns regarding trees been chopped down to widen roads where there are currently bottlenecks.

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This can only be considered if an equal or greater area of greenbelt is added nearby but not if this results in green spaces been too far away from homes to be a pleasurable and convenient facility. Creating new greenbelt in an area far away from homes would not be a benefit. Generally, HIPC would support the idea of jobs being near workers if recreational facilities do not suffer. Before anything like this is considered, this must be presented to the community for their opinion.

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The Local Plan should allow businesses and homes been developed at the edge of the village if other matters are considered, for example closeness of facilities including shops, schools, services. Most shops are towards the centre of the village hence homes on the edge are likely to be too far away to walk to. Also, new bus stops will need to be considered so these new developments on the edge can be integrated with the remainder of the village. A safe route must also be put in place for safe access to other areas of the village. As some parts of this relate to question 39, please also consider those responses.