Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Question 2. Please submit any sites for employment and housing you wish to suggest for allocation in the Local Plan. Provide as much information and supporting evidence as possible. Land to the west of Malton Rd, Orwell was submitted to the Greater Cambridge ‘Call for Sites and Broad Locations’ in March 2019 as a Site which could deliver up to 155 residential units. We continue to support its promotion as the Site is deliverable in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’).

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Neither agree nor disagree

Neither agree nor disagree. Whilst we neither agree nor disagree with the proposed plan period to 2040, we are in agreement with the Councils that it is imperative there is flexibility with the strategy to ensure a balance is struck “between planning far enough ahead to make informed decisions about growth and the reliability of long-term future predictions for housing and jobs”. We therefore suggest a date for a review of the Plan is incorporated to ensure it is delivering what is required and is able to respond to changing circumstances.

Agree

Whilst we agree, it imperative that the discussions with neighbouring authorities “on strategic matters that cross administrative boundaries” (National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’) paragraph 24) are evidenced which confirm strategic policy-making authorities have collaborated “to identify the relevant strategic matters which they need to address in their plans” (NPPF, paragraph 25). The importance of this cannot be underestimated given a number of Local Plans have recently been found unsound owing to a lack of evidence in relation to the Duty to Cooperate (‘DtC’) on cross boundary strategic matters such as housing. We therefore suggest sufficient flexibility is incorporated into the spatial strategy that allows for inter alia, having to absorb neighbouring authorities unmet housing need, if required.

Agree

Whilst we agree with the big themes set out, we suggest a specific reference to an ‘Economic’ theme should be incorporated. This will then ensure the Local Plan is able to achieve the three objectives of sustainable development as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’) (paragraph 8): Economic: help build a strong, responsive and competitive economy; Social: provide a sufficient number and range of homes; and Environmental: mitigating and adapting to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy.

Wellbeing and Social Inclusion, Climate Change, Biodiversity and Green Spaces, Great Places

Whilst we have ranked the big themes, these are each of equal importance and should be brought forward together to ensure sustainable development.

Whilst we agree with the considerations of the Council, for the Local Plan to be a success and deliver upon its aims and objectives, there is a requirement for new developments and in particular housing developments to be secured across each of the spatial options proposed. This is important in being able to achieve the social objective of sustainable development as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’) and in particular supporting ‘communities’ health, social and cultural well-being’ (paragraph 8). In light of this objective, the ability and importance of developments as extensions to villages should not be ignored in consideration of the improvements to services and infrastructure that would result.

Somewhat important

Following the signing of the City Deal in 2014, the growth agenda and economic direction for Greater Cambridge is confirmed. However, to ensure the Greater Cambridge area is able to meet the demands that will result, it is vital the necessary infrastructure is in place to support this economic strategy. To this end, whilst economic growth is important, equally so is the strategy for housing delivery (the number and where these are located).

The importance of the Local Plan shaping the strategy for the number and location of new homes cannot be underestimated. The economic performance of Greater Cambridge is of national importance and it is imperative that a strategy is in place which delivers the number, range and type of housing required to avoid the position where supply wasn’t able to meet demand following the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough devolution deal (Issues and Options document, p. 62). Paragraph 78 of the National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’) acknowledges the role of villages and states “planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services”. We therefore contend ‘Dispersal - Villages’ must be incorporated into the housing strategy of the Local Plan. Furthermore, page 59 of the Issues and Options document states, the “Local Plan has an important role to play in ensuring we get the right homes in the right places so that everyone has the chance to live settled, healthy lives” and in consideration of the long lead in times for large urban extensions and/or new settlements, ‘Dispersal - Villages’ which can be delivered quickly, can take advantage of existing infrastructure, be attractive to smaller housebuilders and ensure a good mix of sites come forward (as part of the Plan) must be supported.

Yes, strongly agree

There must be flexibility and not simply in relation to the number of homes but also, flexibility to the wider housing strategy. This should include inter alia, flexibility with village frameworks and how these are defined / could be amended in the future. Not only would this provide flexibility with the spatial strategy and allow policies to ‘identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive’ (NPPF, paragraph 78) but it would also ensure a mix of sites are brought forward and help to speed up housebuilding. Development should be considered and consistent with a Local Plan and providing flexibility for important infrastructure such as housing will allow the Greater Cambridge area to build on the success of the region as an economic powerhouse and avoid the situation created through the success of the Cambridge / Peterborough devolution deal when demand outstripped supply – ie, a range of size and location of sites are required.

As suggested in the Issues and Options document, there is a need to plan for a balance of tenure types and we agree with this statement. As set out at the infographic on page 59 of the Issues and Options document, the lower quartile house price to income ratio is 14.3 against the national average of 7.3 and whilst the Councils accept the lack of supply have created affordability issues, it is clear the emerging Local Plan must address this. Whilst it is important to ensure affordable housing is delivered, the wider housing strategy must be varied. This will ensure a range of housing is provided creating choice and enabling suitable properties to be delivered allowing residents to downsize without leaving villages for example.