Question 24. How important do you think continuing economic growth is for the next Local Plan?

Neither important nor unimportant

Cambridge is struggling to cope with the current level of economic activity let alone the huge extra growth that is anticipated. It seems that growth is not planned - it is an externality controlled by others with relatively short-term financial interests who don't have the interests of people and communities at heart. It seems that the current and future citizens of Cambridge are the victims rather than the beneficiaries of all this. Uncontrolled growth in living organisms is known as cancer from which it ultimately dies.

Not at all important

We need to decarbonise to survive. That does not require continued economic growth. This area is already well off and somewhat strained, leading to a very high level of new building. Trying to make growth occur in places that already have plenty of spare housing could be more sustainable. I would change the focus away from growth for it's own sake.

Very important

A large part of the problem is growth in itself, which is putting pressure on infrastructure and house prices, with more resources to address infrastructure going to the better off areas. There should be recognition that it is time for growth to stop, or at lest to slow considerably, before we foul our own nest. Government should be told that the Cambridge goose will die of overwork, and stop producing golden eggs.

Neither important nor unimportant

The question is not about growth. It is about sustainable growth. No growth should be allowed if the new employment and housing sites cannot be created sustainably. That means zero carbon housing and offices and zero carbon transport. No cars! Specific planning policies are required to ensure this. They must be stronger than the policies that currently exist.

Very important

The ongoing success of the Cambridge economy is clearly of national importance and it is one of a number of vital growth centres within the UK which must continue to be a focus for investment. Since the early 1970’s, the Cambridge economy has been synonymous with high technology growth together with research and development activities in a wide range of sectors. It is essential that any new development plan covering the Greater Cambridge area reflects the needs of both the local population and those who wish to move into the area. Whilst the science and technology sectors are hugely important to the Cambridge and national economy, the plan must not lose sight of the variety of other jobs that exist for local people. The Cambridge Colleges employ significant numbers of people across a wide range of employment sectors. Planning policies should reflect and support the full variety of employment opportunities within Greater Cambridge including but not limited to education, retail, leisure and tourism, all of which employ large numbers of local people. Sustainable economic growth will be best supported by building more affordable homes in sustainable locations with good transport links into employment centres that do not require car use for people to get to work. Within the lifetime of a new Local Plan up to 2040, it is essential the policies and proposals are flexible enough to deal with changes within the economy. Perhaps the most recent changes have been experienced within the retail sector and in such a context it remains important for planning policies to be sufficiently flexible to adapt to change whilst protecting the wide variety of jobs and sectors that are evident within the greater Cambridge area. Without growth the City and surrounding area will face significant challenges and consequently any new plan must seek to maintain and enhance economic opportunities, investment and growth over the plan period.

Nothing chosen

I would suggest that the scale of economic growth should be scaled back if the underpinning key themes of the Plan are considered to be important. There has been almost 40 years of high levels of economic growth and new development in the area which has transformed Cambridge and environs for the better. However a different approach is now required which strikes a different balance between growth and quality of life, wellbeing and conservation as the limits to the capacity of new development in Cambridge City becomes a reality The indicative amounts of new housing are substantial and will continue transformation of the Cambridge area and surrounds up to 2040. I have indicated the need for a different approach in this consultation response that recognises the different climate heating environment over the next 20 years. I would support further work to establish the level of jobs led growth to be planned for and amount of housing to cater for this growth but also commission research into the environmental and climate costs of different levels of growth.

Nothing chosen

Continuing economic growth is not a given any more and should not be presumed, especially as more resources are diverted northwards. Great care should be taken when interpreting the Standard Method and Market Signals involved in predicting growth. Other city regions have the potential to regenerate within the lifetime of this plan and, unlike the Cambridge phenomenon of 20-30 years ago, many of the new jobs attracted recently have average pay, adding pressure to housing affordability and inequality.

Nothing chosen

Can you measure "happiness growth" as well as economic growth? There is no point in being economically stronger but expanding mental health services to mop up the stress.

Nothing chosen

Not at the expense of the environment as there is no going back if this continues to be damaged. The focus with economic growth should be on decreasing the wealth gap in the area.

Very important

Very Important. The Cambridge sub-region is uniquely placed to grow rapidly in knowledge-based industries such as software and biotech. This relies on the network effects of the co-location of new businesses with Cambridge University and existing businesses, talent and entrepreneurs. By supporting rapid growth, as well as an important role supporting the national economy, breakthroughs will be made that might not otherwise happen - there are cancers that will be cured quicker, and advances in technology essential to tackling climate change and many other problems that simply won’t happen anything like as quickly if we don’t maximise the growth of the Cambridge knowledge based economy, and this economic advantage will be lost to the UK permanently if we don’t encourage growth in the Cambridge sub-region. Saying that Cambridge has had enough growth, and new growth needs to be elsewhere would be a reckless neglect of the current opportunity, the next local plan should encourage that growth explicitly, and political leaders should be much bolder in supporting that.

Nothing chosen

Moderate: I think that it'll happen anyway in this area, whether or not you plan for it.

Very important

Vital. The Councils have a responsibility to maximise job growth across the area in the national interest.

Nothing chosen

To me sustainability is the biggest issue way above continuing economic growth, I think the collapse of the High Street is demonstrating a mind shift in how we spend money. So looking at the past is not necessarily that helpful for the future. Fundamentally it all revolves around creating good places where people want to live and can live happily and creating space and appropriate opportunity for new types of business to be started and grow. Set aside these spaces and put covenants on them so that they can never be developed for housing.

Nothing chosen

The Cambridge and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) notes that the wider Cambridge region is committed to doubling its economic output over the next 25 years. On this basis, continuing economic growth should be captured and addressed in the next Plan. However, this economic growth needs to be captured in an appropriate spatial strategy which balances employment growth with housing development. It is essential that employment use is supported by housing development, ideally within close proximity. Additionally, the location of employment use and housing development should be considered in the context of their relationship to sustainable transport links. The Site presents the opportunity to deliver residential use adjacent to employment use and within close proximity to public transport i.e. Cambridge Train Station.

Very important

The National Infrastructure Commission, the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority and the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership also acknowledge and support the economic growth potential of the Greater Cambridge area. The Cambridge and Peterborough Devolution Deal commits the authorities in the area to planning to double economic output by 2040. The Cambridge and Peterborough Independent Economic Review acknowledges the relationship between economic growth and new housing. Therefore, it is requested that economic growth aspirations are matched by the delivery of housing. The provision of Build to Rent accommodation should be part of the mix of housing tenures because it would meet the housing needs of those employed in Cambridge who cannot afford to buy a house and want to avoid the cost of commuting.

Nothing chosen

The Greater Cambridge authorities, alongside the Greater Cambridge Partnership, and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), have a crucial role to play at a national level to deliver the Government’s economic ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, which is a key economic priority. This includes an ambition to build up to one million new homes by 2050, to tackle the severe housing affordability issues, and to unlock the Arc’s full potential. The emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan is an important step in realising these ambitions: adopting a long term, holistic and strategic approach to the delivery of jobs, investment, homes and infrastructure across Greater Cambridge to help the Arc stand as an economic asset of international standing. Economic growth in Greater Cambridge is, therefore, paramount and should sit at the forefront of the Local Plan Spatial Strategy in the next plan period.

Nothing chosen

As referred to in Section 2 of these representations, National Planning Policy confirms “Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development” (NPPF, paragraph 80). The approach taken should allow each area to build on its strengths, counter any weaknesses and address the challenges of the future. 5.2 Cambridge’s hi-technology clusters, particularly in AI, bio-tech and agri-tech are recognised in the UK Industrial Strategy as an essential element of the UK economy to support “…towns such as MK, Oxford and Cambridge (that) have been hot spots for job creation. We must promote growth through fostering clusters and connectivity across cities, towns and surrounding areas.” 5.3 Growth relies on increases in employment and productivity and the Cambridge and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) emphasises the need for productivity growth in this region as employment rates are so high. Economic growth is therefore essential for the next Local Plan. As part of the devolution contract to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a commitment to doubling the economic output of the area (Gross Value Added) over 25 years. This is a challenging target and needs to factor at the heart of the Plan.

Nothing chosen

8.1 Continuing economic growth is considered to be very important and should be a main focus for the Local Plan. However, this should be equally balanced with adequate housebuilding. 8.2 The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER 2018) sets out the context of the Greater Cambridge area and states that it is a prosperous area and attracts many international businesses to come to the area and grow. These businesses have brought about revolutionary advances in a wide array of fields, transforming lives around the world. This prosperous economy should be encouraged and allowed to grow and flourish within Great Cambridge to ensure that the area can reap the many economic benefits of this investment. However, as the report sets out, it is imperative to ensure that this growth in employment is matched by housebuilding. The report states that if a correct balance between jobs and houses is not achieved, this runs the risk of further increasing house prices and increased congestion and commuter journey times leading to an irreparable damage to society and threatening the area's dynamism. 8.3 Therefore, it is imperative that the economy is supported through Local Plan policies as well as adequate housing growth.

Nothing chosen

It is very important that the Local Plan supports economic growth through the next Plan period. Without the Plan ensuring economic growth as a fundamental component in its development strategy, it will fail to secure the longevity and vibrancy of the Plan area in the long term. Southern & Regional Developments (Joscelyn) recommends that the Plan should recognise the key importance of sustaining the economic growth throughout the next Plan period and support the deliery of the strategic infrastructure strategy to 2050. Unless the Plan ensures economic growth as a fundamental component of the development strategy, it will fail to secure the longevity and vibrancy of the Plan area in the long term. It must be recognised that economic growth and prosperity across the Plan area has a significant relationship with other aspects of the Local Plan, in particular residential demand and housing growth. These elements of the Plan are directly related and therefore new policies that are adopted by the Plan must acknowledge this interconnectivity. It is recognised that the Plan area has benefited recently from significant levels of economic growth that has benefited the area considerably. It is essential that the Plan recognises the resulting significant pressures on the local housing market and address this appropiately through a necessary quantum of development. As such, the level of housing should reflect this and a substantial increase in housing numbers for the new Plan to deliver would ensure that this increased demand can be met. As such, the Plan, whilst supporting economic growth, must ensure that it is appropriately managed so that development which is implemented is sustainable and appropriate in terms of scale, design and location. Therefore, the Plan needs to implement a spatial strategy which can support both economic and housing growth to meet the needs of the new Plan period. Summary of Comments: The plan should support economic growth and recognise the need to implement higher levels of housing to support this growth.

Very important

Endurance Estates consider that continued economic growth is very important in respect of the next Local Plan. The Government’s 2019 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that planning policies should create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt and that significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development. Paragraph 20 of the NPPF notes that strategic policies should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and quality of development, and make sufficient provision for housing, employment, retail, other commercial development and infrastructure amongst other matters. It is stated that this approach should allow each area to build on its strengths, counter any weaknesses and address the challenges of the future. It indicates that this is particularly important where Britain can be a global leader in driving innovation (paragraph 80). Paragraph 81 then goes on to state that planning policies should, amongst others: a) set out a clear economic vision and strategy which positively and proactively encourages sustainable economic growth, having regard to Local Industrial Strategies and other local policies for economic development and regeneration; b) set criteria, or identify strategic sites, for local and inward investment to match the strategy and to meet anticipated needs over the plan period; The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER 2018) sets out the context of the Greater Cambridge area and states that it is a prosperous area and attracts many international businesses to come to the area and grow. These businesses have brought about revolutionary advances in a wide array of fields, transforming lives around the world. This prosperous economy should be encouraged and allowed to grow and flourish within Great Cambridge to ensure that the area can reap the many economic benefits of this investment. The Cambridge Economy therefore remains of national importance and remains the leading technology and research centre in the UK however it is also important that other types of industry are also supported and encouraged to grow in the Cambridgeshire region. Jobs are needed in order to provide opportunities for the rapidly expanding population of Cambridgeshire and to ensure existing businesses are encouraged to remain in the region and new businesses are encouraged to move into the region. The Local Plan has an important role to play in ensuring that sufficient employment land is allocated for development in appropriate locations which suit where businesses wish to be located. The aim of the Combined Authority to double the total economic output of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough regions over the next 25 years will only be achieved if sufficient land is allocated for new development of businesses, and only if emerging policies are worded in such a way as to help existing businesses to expand and relocate within the Local Plan area. A variety of allocations are required to accommodate all types of business use and these should be located in a variety of locations but predominantly close to housing and primary transport routes. Access to public transport and cycle routes are also important considerations in respect of delivering sustainable development. We anticipate that the proposed business park at Melbourn will provide opportunities for new businesses moving into the region or existing Cambridgeshire businesses who wish to relocate and expand as their current site is too small or is restricted, but also want to stay close to their existing client base and workforce. The ability of existing businesses to relocate in the Local Plan area should be strongly promoted with Local Plan policy. Many businesses are restricted in their existing site which is preventing their expansion. Policies should therefore encourage business to be able to relocate without the need for lengthy marketing periods of similar restrictions. The relocation of a business frees up sites for other businesses to use or for potential redevelopment to other uses. Due to its location away for any residential development and directly accessing the A10 the Melbourn site will provide an ideal location for businesses which may not be considered suitable to be located close to residential development due to the noise and disturbance they generate or the high levels of traffic movement they create. Endurance have already been approached by once such Cambridgeshire business wishing to relocate to the Melbourn site. Their current site does not allow for any expansion whilst their ongoing manufacturing uses, and traffic generation have an ongoing negative impact on nearby residential development. There are a number of examples in recent years in South Cambridgeshire of where businesses have successfully relocated to more appropriate sites in these circumstances. Eg. Welch's Transport (Stapleford to A505); Plumbs Dairy (Balsham to The Grip, Linton).

Nothing chosen

It is essential to Greater Cambridge and the surrounding area as identified by CPIER (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review). As part of the devolution contract to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a commitment to doubling the economic output of the area (Gross Value Added) over 25 years. This is a challenging target and needs to be factored at the heart of the Plan. Employment sites such as Bedlam Farm provide a key, and often undervalued, role in economic growth. The new Local Plan should be flexible to allow the expansion of such sites and also their allocation.

Nothing chosen

2.3 Cambridge is a renowned area for high quality employment and innovation in business. The South Cambridgeshire Economic Assessment and Strategy (2010) sets out that South Cambridgeshire has a history of significantly higher employment growth than the rest of the UK on average. The document further adds that ‘South Cambs plays a key role in the economic prospects of the greater Cambridge sub-region’ and that it is ‘a major provider of employment opportunities.’ 2.4 The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service (hereby referred to as the Councils) have a target of doubling the total economic output of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough over the next 25 years. Continuing economic growth for the next Local Plan is therefore a key priority. Accordingly, all future site allocations and policies must support this ambition and aid the Councils in achieving this aim. 2.5 It is acknowledged that Cambridge is surrounded by the Green Belt, and that Land at Ely Road, Milton is within the Green Belt. Further commentary is provided on Green Belt release in a later section of these representations. Some Green Belt will need to be released as part of the overall spatial strategy to enable suitable further employment development and facilitate continued economic growth in the area.

Nothing chosen

5.1 As referred to in Section 2 of these representations, National Planning Policy confirms “Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development” (NPPF, paragraph 80). The approach taken should allow each area to build on its strengths, counter any weaknesses and address the challenges of the future. 5.2 Cambridge’s hi-technology clusters, particularly in AI, bio-tech and agri-tech are recognised in the UK Industrial Strategy as an essential element of the UK economy to support “…towns such as MK, Oxford and Cambridge (that) have been hot spots for job creation. We must promote growth through fostering clusters and connectivity across cities, towns and surrounding areas.” 5.3 Growth relies on increases in employment and productivity and the Cambridge and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) emphasises the need for productivity growth in this region as employment rates are so high. Economic growth is therefore essential for the next Local Plan. As part of the devolution contract to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a commitment to doubling the economic output of the area (Gross Value Added) over 25 years. This is a challenging target and needs to factor at the heart of the Plan. 5.4 Allocating Land at Frog End, Shepreth would facilitate a sustainable pattern of growth by providing a range of residential accommodation to meet local needs, alongside new space for employment provision and community infrastructure.

Very important

3.27 The National Planning Policy Framework 2019 states that significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development (paragraph 80). 3.28 Growth relies on increases in employment and productivity. The Cambridge and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) emphasises the need for productivity growth in this region as employment rates are so high. Economic growth is therefore essential for the next Local Plan. As part of the devolution contract to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a commitment to doubling the economic output of the area (Gross Value Added) over 25 years; this ambition needs to be at the very heart of the Plan. 3.29 A mixed-use community at Land at Gazelle Way will provide new homes within easy reach of both existing and new jobs via sustainable transport. The Site can deliver approximately 5ha of new employment land, along with employment opportunities within the retail and community facilities. This will make a valuable contribution to the diversity and range of jobs available for new and existing local residents, supporting both the local and wider Greater Cambridge economy.

Nothing chosen

6.1 It is essential to Greater Cambridge and the surrounding area as identified by CPIER (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review). As part of the devolution contract to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a commitment to doubling the economic output of the area (Gross Value Added) over 25 years. This is a challenging target and needs to be a factored at the heart of the Plan. Employment site such as Bedlam farm provide a key, and often undervalued, role in economic growth. The new Local Plan should be flexible to allow the expansion of such sites and also their allocation.

Nothing chosen

Q24: How important do you think continuing economic growth is for the next Local Plan? Continuing economic growth is important for the next Local Plan, it is important the edges of the more sustainable settlements are well connected to provide varied employment sites at a range of scales to reflect this. The NPPF has a focus on sustainable development, in particular stating in paragraph 84 that: “Planning policies and decisions should recognise that sites to meet local business and community needs in rural areas may have to be found adjacent to or beyond existing settlements”. My client’s site known as Land north-east of Villa Road, Histon is the exact type of site the NPPF is referring to; it is of a medium size, located adjacent to the settlement edge, and provides a site for employment space nearby to existing and proposed housing, adjacent to an existing employment site and could accommodate both small and medium sized local businesses. The guided busway runs along its northern boundary meaning it is will served by public transport. In order for the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan to be found ‘sound’ it must be consistent with the policies detailed in the NPPF; including paragraph 84 identified above and as such a site such as our clients should be included. It is predicted that Cambridge’s economy will grow by approximately 20% over the next decade and employment levels will also grow by approximately 23.9%. The Greater Cambridgeshire’s aspirations are for even higher levels of employment growth. The city currently benefits from its employment parks, reputation and transport connections to London. With the Government’s focus on the East – West Rail link and the Oxford to Cambridge expressway, investment is required along these routes to ensure the continued economic growth throughout the next plan period. Furthermore, the Greater Cambridgeshire’s strategic plan recognises the importance to the AgricTech sector to the local economy and reputation, the further growth of this sector which our client falls within is strongly encouraged. It is important to ensure this growth is planned for within the new Local Plan in order to ensure Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District are kept an attractive place for people to work and live. Summary of Comments: Continuing economic growth is very important for the next local plan.

Very important

Yes, strongly agree. It is crucial that the plan tackles strategic scale thinking to enable plan led economic growth. Paragraph 80 of the NPPF endorses this approach in its assertion that: ‘ Planning policies and decisions should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt. Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development. The approach taken should allow each area to build on its strengths, counter any weaknesses and address the challenges of the future. This is particularly important where Britain can be a global leader in driving innovation [40], and in areas with high levels of productivity, which should be able to capitalise on their performance and potential.’ Continued economic growth is the only way for an area to achieve long term improvements in socioeconomic living standards for the benefit of all residents. Although it is acknowledged that the Local Plan must balance additional considerations alongside this, economic growth should be at the forefront of local planning priorities to ensure Cambridge continues to develop as an internationally leading city. This will in turn underpin the ability to achieve better and more inclusive outcomes for current and future residents. Importantly, Greater Cambridge has the ability through economic growth to create worldwide solutions to key environment, medical and sustainability issues. Cambridge Science Park and Cambridge Science Park North will continue to invest in green and clean tech, artificial intelligence, and innovative solutions to the big issues facing the world today. In line with the UK Industrial Strategy investment of the scale proposed at Cambridge Science Park North provides positive economic growth for future generations of employees, future economic benefits to residents and advancements for the benefit of wider society as a whole. Trinity College Cambridge wish to highlight the underlying trend of skilled manufacturing and development space being lost and not replaced in the right locations, the need to catch up with predicted growth, and therefore the importance to ensure that land is allocated in a planned manner to bring forward the benefits.

Nothing chosen

4.1 The Issues and Options document in section 4.5 clearly identifies the value of the Greater Cambridge economy, which is ‘of national importance’. The area attracts global companies and with it, a highly skilled workforce. The Cambridge and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) Final Report dated September 2018 confirms the growth taking place within the area. For example, across the Combined Authority, 15,646 new companies were born compared to 9,245 closures (p47). This represents considerable growth in the employment sector. It confirms the result is a net positive effect on the rest of the UK. 4.2 The Greater Cambridge Authority seeks to double the total economic output over the next 25 years. Such an ambitious target will require the creation of additional employment sites of a strategic scale, with residential development at the same scale to match growth. 4.3 Critical to achieving this ambitious employment growth is the arc to the south of the City of Cambridge, consisting of the Babraham Campus, Genome Campus at Hinxton and Chesterford Research Park. These sites are attracting Research and Development companies given the skilled workforce in the vicinity and the ability for these areas to work together and share information, ideas etc. The obvious clustering of such areas can be seen in Figure 16 of the CPIER Report showing life science companies and research institutes in 2016/17. This is shown below: 4.4 The demand in the area has been demonstrated by the recent planning application to extend the Genome Campus at Hinxton, which currently has a resolution to grant permission following the vote by Members at Planning Committee. This will provide significant flexible employment uses (150,000 sqm of gross external area) and 1,500 dwellings. 4.5 In addition to this, the SmithsonHill site at Hinxton Grange is expecting an appeal decision in the near future. It would be strategically located between the Wellcome Sangar Institute and Granta Park as shown on the plan above. Should that site be approved, there is the opportunity to further expand the area with the sensitive development of additional land for employment or residential uses. Land around the SmithsonHill site would complement its uses and provide the ability for significant opportunities to boost employment and provide much needed housing, which would in turn further increase the sustainability of the Site. 4.6 The Greater Cambridge Authority has the opportunity to shape this scientific corridor now. Any delay may slow down the sector given the Local Plan will run to 2041. The momentum for growth should continue as a result the surrounding land should be allocated for associated uses accordingly.

Nothing chosen

5.1 As referred to in Section 2 of these representations, National Planning Policy confirms “Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development” (NPPF, paragraph 80). The approach taken should allow each area to build on its strengths, counter any weaknesses and address the challenges of the future. 5.2 Cambridge’s hi-technology clusters, particularly in AI, bio-tech and agri-tech are recognised in the UK Industrial Strategy as an essential element of the UK economy to support “…towns such as MK, Oxford and Cambridge (that) have been hot spots for job creation. We must promote growth through fostering clusters and connectivity across cities, towns and surrounding areas.” 5.3 Growth relies on increases in employment and productivity and the Cambridge and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) emphasises the need for productivity growth in this region as employment rates are so high. Economic growth is therefore essential for the next Local Plan. As part of the devolution contract to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a commitment to doubling the economic output of the area (Gross Value Added) over 25 years. This is a challenging target and needs to factor at the heart of the Plan.

Nothing chosen

3.21 It is considered that continued economic growth is important, provided that it is facilitated sustainably. 3.22 According to the ‘big themes’ of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, it is important that local village centres, provide suitably sized employment hubs. The National Planning Policy Framework 2019 (NPPF), reflect this with its focus on sustainable development, stating in paragraph 84 states that: “Planning policies and decisions should recognise that sites to meet local business and community needs in rural areas may have to be found adjacent to or beyond existing settlements”. 3.15 The application site at Balsham Road is exactly the type of site the NPPF is referring to; a medium sized site, located adjacent to the development limit, and provides a proposed rural hub in conjunction with housing, to accommodate small and medium sized local businesses. It is also located outside of the Green Belt, adjacent to Linton, which is one of the most sustainable and largest villages within the District.