Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

4.17 The overall approach to development should be considered with an emphasis on how existing settlements can also be supported and improved. With the current emphasis on large scale, standalone developments, this does not provide the opportunity for improvements to existing settlements.

4.18 Page 34 of the GCLP acknowledges that in recent decades biodiversity in the area has been decreasing and states “The rural area is dominated by agricultural land, which is often not biodiverse, and in urban areas the loss of gardens and increase in urban uses reduces biodiversity.” In addition, development has often been required to ensure that certain densities of development are met. This can lead to a dense style hard urban environment. Flexibility should be allowed to developments that allow a greener approach to take place including planting and habitat improvements not only on the application site itself but other land with the immediate area. This would allow biodiversity improvements with net gain. 4.19 The site the subject of this representation has the opportunity to improve biodiversity in the area. There are several parcels of land that are segregated from the main fields and whilst designated as countryside in the Local Plan, they make little contribution to the wider landscape character. This land is also under the landowners control and could be used to support green infrastructure in relation to creating semi-natural spaces, allotments, additional woodland, scrubland and grassland areas etc to improve biodiversity in the area rather than low-value agricultural fields.

4.26 It is essential that a variety of engagement takes place with all stakeholders. New development is often viewed in a negative fashion by the local community. It is important that the positive aspects in particular where local improvements can be made are fully supported in a positive way. Early engagement with the community to understand the issues that are relevant to the area is therefore important. Concerns may relate to infrastructure provision and if the councils have relevant evidence it is often possible to address these concerns early on and ensure timely delivery.

4.27 The previous approach has focused on major developments on the edge of Cambridge and new settlements. It is essential that a wider approach is considered where improvements can be offered to existing settlements. This should include a range of homes and a wider mix of tenure of dwellings that are adaptable in their lifetime to ensure Greater Cambridge offers a wider range of inclusive homes not solely in new communities. This ensures that existing communities also have the opportunity to be accessible for all with a mixed community.

4.28 We support the broad approach outlined in the GCLP. Healthy lifestyles involve a range of issues that extend well beyond the built form. Access to housing education and work are key considerations but the overall quality of the environment is important to ensure physical and mental well-being. The focus should not be dominated by new communities but how existing areas could be improved as well. The councils should also ensure that the overall approach to healthy lifestyles is fit for the future and this for example should consider the impact of the internet on providing health advice etc without the need to travel to facilities. Encouraging walking and cycling as part of daily life by improving the offering should also be considered. Providing the opportunity for people to grow their own food through the provision of allotments is also a consideration. 4.29 Access to the nature and location of employment is also an important consideration in healthy lifestyles. It is important that a variety of employment exists to ensure a balanced community exists and this is essential to create sustainable communities. Not all employment needs or should be focused on the city centre or the edge of the city. This encourages travel to the city centre with associated air quality and congestion matters.

4.30 The aim should be to encourage less use of the private car and encourage sustainable forms of transport. Support should be given to growth in a wider variety of areas that could potentially reduce the length of journeys. Higher priorities should be given to support existing settlements that are in sustainable locations where development can offer wider improvements to the community, in particular improving walking, cycling and public transport. The availability of infrastructure to support electric vehicles is also a consideration but the wider sustainability issues of electric vehicles and the availability of electricity need to be addressed first.

4.31 It is important to clearly identify what has heritage value and the reasons why. Any policies should be positively worded rather than restrictive.

4.32 It is important to clearly identify what has heritage value and the reasons why. Any policies should be positively worded rather than restrictive.

4.33 Design is always subjective and whilst it is important to have guidelines, this should not be so restrictive that it prevents innovation. There is an increasing variety of guidance and advice that in some cases conflicts. Any policies and guidance should be provided in clear and simple manner that acknowledges how technology and innovation may change the way we live and work during the plan period.

Nothing chosen

4.34 Economic growth is a very important part of the next Local Plan. Whilst there is a focus on the strategic growth corridors and high tech business, it is essential that other types of industry are supported to ensure there is a diverse range of jobs available for local people that support the overall aims of sustainable growth. The Plan should therefore seek to encourage a range of employment opportunities in the rural area in sustainable locations. This approach to rural diversification is also supported by the NPPF and could decrease commuting. 4.35 The villages of Meldreth and Melbourn meet a variety of local needs, as well as providing valuable and varied employment. The land that is the subject of this representation provides the opportunity to ensure employment land is provided within the development that would support local firms and provide suitable affordable buildings for their needs. This would ensure employment retention and avoid businesses leaving the area and potentially increasing commuting out of the area.