Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Rapleys LLP Planning Department are instructed on behalf of Murketts of Cambridge to submit representations to the issues and options consultation, pertaining to the emerging Great Cambridge Local Plan, relative to area of land at 137 Histon Road, Cambridge. This letter follows previous communication with the Location Authority, relative to this site, and is enclosed for your information (dated – 22 March). Site and surroundings The Local Authority will be familiar with the site and a more detailed site review is included within the enclosed letter. However, in summary, the site (circa 0.7ha) is located to the north west of Cambridge City Centre and is accessed of Histon Road. The site comprises of a car showroom (sui generis) which includes, two single storey rectangle buildings and large areas of hardstanding. The site is located outside of the Conservation Area and is not within a site that a liable to flooding (flood zone 1). Background As you will be aware, the dealership is part of a wider allocation for housing in the recently adopted Cambridge City Local Plan (October 2018) – which our client supports. The allocation is in multiple ownership and as such it is very likely that different land parcels within the allocation will be developed at different times. As confirmed previously, my client will be continuing their operations as a car dealership and cannot commit to the redevelopment of the site in the immediate term. Nevertheless, it could be possible that development could commence, subject to relocation and planning permission, in 1-5 years and as such, assist the Local Authority in its five year housing land supply. Planning Potential and Allocation The wider allocation has previously been earmarked, in the recently adopted Cambridge City Local Plan, for 78 dwellings with access to remain onto Histon Road. The site is extremely sustainable and accessible, located strategically between Cambridge City Centre (train station 15 minutes cycle) and the A14 to the north (5 minutes drive). These strategic transport links provides access to nearby centres such as Huntingdon and Bury St Edmunds and direct access into central London. Therefore, and considering the accessible a sustainable credentials for this site, the site should continue to be allocated within the emerging Great Cambridge Local Plan. On this basis, and for completeness, the allocation should be replicated within the emerging Great Cambridge Local Plan. This will ensure that the allocation will continue to contribute to Cambridge’s housing need, and in the future will ensure it is built out in a manner which makes the best use of a key brownfield site. We trust that the above is self-explanatory and acceptable, and we look forward to engaging with your Authority further. In the meantime, please could you provide confirmation of safe receipt of these representations.

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