Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Nothing chosen

39 Should we look to remove land from the Green Belt if evidence shows it provides a more sustainable development option by reducing travel distances, helping us reduce our climate impacts? Paragraph 2.9 of the existing Local Plan (2018) outlines that a key role of the Local Plan is to provide for the development needs of the district over the plan period to 2031. Population growth and the continued success of the Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire economies are important drivers for further growth. There is a strong link between jobs and homes and it is important that the Local Plan provides an appropriate balance that will provide jobs for the whole community as well as supporting the nationally and internationally successful local economy with its focus on the high technology and research sectors, while at the same time delivering homes to meet the overall housing needs. This must be done while protecting the environment and what makes the area a successful and attractive place. The site promoted by o2h for new R&D development is clearly located in the Green Belt and the applicant is very much aware that this is significant constraint that will need to be addressed as part of the future development of the site. The site is located immediately to the north of the Policy H/2: Bayer Crop Science Site, Hauxton, and the sit forms part of the original planning consent, which identifies the site as being suitable for employment uses in the context of the existing built form. The site (Bayer CropScience Plc, Hauxton) is allocated for a sustainable high density, residential-led mixed-use development. Outline consent to which planning consent has been implemented is application S/2308/06/O. This was approved on the 12th February 2010 for the redevelopment of the land to the south of the Hauxton Mill site, but the approved scheme recognised that potential uses for the listed Mill (vacant) and Mill House (currently offices) that fit in with the comprehensive vision for the site are being investigated and specific proposals for these buildings can come forward in due course under separate planning applications according to demand and the needs of particular occupiers. It was also recognised that sympathetic and viable long-term uses are found for these buildings to ensure their long-term future and security. The applicant is of the view that the Green Belt boundary reviewed, as there are opportunities for sustainable employment development, which cannot be realised. We agree with the suggestion that should we look to remove land from the Green Belt if evidence shows it provides a more sustainable development option by reducing travel distances, helping us reduce our climate impacts. This proposal presents a unique opportunity to revitalise a neglected post-industrial site and abandoned listed water mill, to provide valuable employment use and increased public access. Benefits include: • Renovation of the Grade II listed Hauxton Mill, which is currently boarded up, having laid empty for decades • Provision of public access to the restored mill building • Provision of a cafe in the mill, open to staff and the public • Redevelopment of the Grade II listed Old Mill House, to provide offices and a small lab space. The building was formerly used as offices, but has been empty for years and is in a poor state of repair • Provision of employment space in the form of offices within the upper floor of the mill and a new building laboratory block on the site of the New Mill House • New landscaping on the site of the former Bayer crop science facilities.