Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

In deciding employment growth locations, the provision of active and sustainable travel should be paramount. Consideration should also be given to improving access to localities within Essex that provide a draw for existing and future businesses, in particular Harlow, Great Chesterford Research Park, London Stansted Airport and localities along the West Anglian Mainline.

ECC recommends that the GCA actively engage on an ongoing basis with the neighbouring Essex Local Authorities on this issue.

ECC recommends that the GCA consider where existing infrastructure is under pressure, for example the A505 and determine whether future growth may provide the ability to deliver improvements for the existing and future communities that are economically viable. This may provide an opportunity for a joint bid with ECC for government funding to deliver joint growth and development aspirations.

Yes. ECC recommend that in designing development consideration is given to the following points. • Active travel is considered to ensure that walking and cycling are viewed as realistic alternatives to the private car (including the electric car); • Mixed use development is promoted, and future housing growth is supported by adequate employment; • Robust evidence is produced to ensure that high quality public transportation is provided within future areas of growth; and • Transportation schemes should go beyond the county boundary. ECC would welcome joint working to support connectively to and from Cambridgeshire.

It is recommended that transport infrastructure be included in the key issues for infrastructure. The focus should be on major routes in the area including the A505 and the M11. ECC recommends that consideration of the wider impacts outside of Cambridge and within Essex should be appreciated, as this may assist in delivering options that provide for sustainable modes that may be mutually beneficial for each respective authority. In developing future employment within the south of Greater Cambridge, consideration should be given to the sustainable transport needs of employees from Essex who commute into Cambridgeshire. ECC acknowledges that the GCA are considering “whether any new schools are needed”. Whilst ECC appreciates further analysis is needed, it is worth the GCA considering whether growth may support existing services within Essex, where capacity allows and would be favourable to do so, for example Early Years and Child Care. With regard to Early Years and Child Care, it should be noted that many of the villages in the GCA are in close proximity to childcare facilities within Essex. Some of these are struggling to remain viable, therefore it is recommended that future consultation and engagement be undertaken with ECC on what opportunities may be available to the respective authorities. ECC welcome discussions on parents’ journey to work patterns, particularly along the M11 and West Anglian rail corridors where there are currently childcare facilities that may have the opportunity for expansion to accommodate future growth and development.

Nothing chosen

In considering the appropriateness of future locations for growth consideration should be given to the transportation infrastructure including active and sustainable modes. It is also recommended that analysis be undertaken to determine the quantum of growth that may be accommodated within existing villages to ensure that social and community infrastructure is viable for the medium and longer term. An example is reviewing Early Years and Child Care and education capacity to determine whether further growth may increase the economics of scale and secure the future viability of the social and community infrastructure.

No choices made

Q42 response: ECC recommends that the GCA consider how the future quantum of employment and economic growth will be accommodated. ECC is mindful of the aspirations for growth within the UK Innovation Corridor (in particular Harlow Gilston Garden Town) and recognises that it is going to be a challenge for Local Planning Authorities to ensure the delivery of adequate housing growth to meet increasing employment opportunities. ECC recommends that in analysing the spatial approach most applicable for GCA consideration should be given to the delivery of public transport that considers the needs of those who commute for employment to Cambridgeshire from Essex. Consideration should also be given to ensure that the quantum of growth can provide for adequate social and community infrastructure, in particular secondary education. ECC recommends that making best use of aggregate resources should be considered as a key issue when allocating land for future development. The NPPF refers to this practice within paragraphs 203 and 206. ECC also advises that it is important that consideration is given to the need to assess the practicality of prior extraction of minerals before non-mineral development sterilises the material. Mineral issues are best considered at the site allocation stage, this allows mineral extraction and the timescales to be phased with non-mineral development at the outset. In determining appropriate sites for future development, consideration should be given to Minerals and Waste safeguarded land and determine whether there are other locations with similar opportunities that may be more appropriate.

Structure and Content: The Essex County Council (ECC) comments on the Greater Cambridge Local Plan – Issues and Options 2020, highlights the background context and then provides views on matters relating to specific sections (and where appropriate the questions) of the Draft Local Plan reflecting the plan’s format and order. Background Context Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council (Greater Cambridge Authorities (GCA)) are currently preparing a Joint Local Plan. As part of this preparation the Councils’ have prepared an Issues and Options (Regulation 18) consultation to commence the conversation with relevant stakeholders, the local communities and those that invest in the locality. The Local Plan will impact the way that people within these communities live, work and socialise over the next 20 years.

No uploaded files for public display