Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

4.36 The nature of employment space varies across the area and it is important to ensure that a range is available to ensure a wide variety of businesses have the opportunity to flourish in the area including start up and small businesses, and businesses to extend. This would support a prosperous rural economy.

4.37 It is important to protect existing business uses provided this is in an appropriate sustainable location.

4.38 In order to support a diverse community and healthy lifestyle it is essential to have a variety of employment opportunities across all sectors. Unless this is carried forward, residents will not perceive that there are equal opportunities across the area with a range of different skills.

4.39 Different business sectors require different needs and locations. It is important that this is recognised in the GCLP. A variety of premises should be permitted in different locations and the emphasis should not be solely on new settlements or the edge of Cambridge. 4.40 We are pleased that the GCLP acknowledges that there is a range of businesses located at South Cambridgeshire villages, in both small premises and business parks or industrial estates. It is essential that further employment is provided in sustainable locations and adjoining existing residential areas to reduce the pull of the city centre and the edge of the city. This would support healthy lifestyles and reduce the need to travel, and support the councils’ net zero carbon aspirations.

Somewhat flexible

4.41 We believe it is important to be flexible in the uses that are allowed to ensure a range of services are available but there needs to be a balance having regard to the impact of the internet on businesses and travel. If facilities are restricted to particular levels in a settlement hierarchy, this can increase travelling. In a rural district it is important to encourage and support access to local services and facilities to meet their day-to-day needs. However, moving forward this needs to be balanced with the changes internet shopping may bring forward.

4.42 We have no comments to make.

4.43 The evidence within the GCLP demonstrates the higher housing costs and the overall issues of affordability in the area. The Plan seeks to “… get the right homes in the right places so that everyone has the chance to live settled, healthy lives.” This however requires a broad and flexible approach to housing across the area. At present the councils’ focus has been on a number of significant expansions Darwin Green and North West Cambridge and new settlements like Northstowe and the new town north of Waterbeach. The larger strategic sites often have a long lead in time due to infrastructure provision and a community feeling takes time to establish. It is essential to ensure a variety of site sizes come forward to ensure delivery across the district. 4.44 This would ensure the opportunity for a mix of house types and tenures to come forward. The opportunity to downsize and free up family housing and provide lifetime homes is also an important point and potentially requires a difference approach to densities that will allow smaller units with flexible room sizes that support people in their existing local communities as their life-time requirements change.

Yes, strongly agree

4.45 We strongly agree that the councils should be planning for a higher number of homes than the minimum required. On page 62 of the GCLP, they have already acknowledged that the demand for new housing in the area has been exceptionally high and housing building has not kept up with demand. The previous focus has been on the Cambridge Southern Fringe developments and new towns such as Northstowe. The key word is reference to “minimum” and the NPPF requires all councils to significantly boost the supply of housing. Only planning for the minimum would appear to be contrary to this guidance. In addition, if the approach continues with large scale developments, these are often delayed in coming forward due to infrastructure provision and funding issues. With the level of growth anticipated it is essential that sufficient homes are available to create safe and inclusive communities to avoid increases in commuting and the use of the private car.

4.46 The evidence within the GCLP demonstrates the issues of affordability across the area and it is essential that diverse range of housing is provided. The policies need to ensure that a range of housing and tenures is supported by local planning policy and it does not end up restrictive. There needs to be innovative ways of providing housing that actually leads to delivering rather than written text. There is reference to downsizing to release family homes, the increasing eldering population. With the university and high-tech companies and intended future growth it is essential that a broader view is taken in this respect to ensure equality and diversity is provided within the area for affordable and market housing and a range of tenures for choice.

4.47 No comments.