Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

The Local Plan should focus on provision of 1 and 2 bed homes as discussed until the homeless and affordability issues have been resolved with sensitive single bedroom extensions allowed to accommodate proven family needs.

Nothing chosen

Why build houses for growth that may not happen?

The Local Plan should focus on provision of 1 and 2 bed homes in communities as discussed until the homeless and affordability issues have been resolved with sensitive single bedroom extensions allowed to accommodate proven family needs.

It seems unlikely that there is a need for many additional permanent Traveller sites, although some Transit sites may be needed.

Sticking to the principles laid out in Adopted Neighbourhood Plans, Village Design Statements and Building Regulations should be enough.

More attention should be paid to available infrastructure when houses are considered for development. The “lack of 5-year land supply” is a threat. A better definition of “sustainability” is needed.

Car usage should not be vilified. There are many, possibly a majority, of households that depend for viability on the use of a battered diesel-engined car to get themselves to work, children to school etc. The solution for most will be affordable Electric Cars as public transport is unlikely ever to be able to service 100 scattered villages around Cambridge when places of education, entertainment or work are at a distances. Walkable neighbourhoods are a luxury and will remain so for a very long time outside a few city locations.

The most effective infrastructure would be an outer ring road, exclusively for Electric Vehicles, around Cambridge linking the stations, Rural Centre villages and major places of employment.

Nothing chosen

Reducing travel distances is a key benefit and may warrant use of Green Belt land if the village has it approved in its made Neighbourhood Plan.

Nothing chosen

Adding near co-located jobs and housing (with other community facilities where appropriate) on village-edge sites is much better than allowing houses alone.