Question 33. What kind of housing do you think we should provide?

6.6 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development 1 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Industrial Strategy 2019, p13 Issues and Options Consultation 2020 – Land at Fishers Lane, Orwell Page 12 sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 6.7 Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan; through market housing, low-cost and affordable housing. 6.8 Land at Fishers Lane, Orwell has the potential to deliver up to 190 homes comprising both market and affordable housing of a range of size, type and tenures to meet the needs of not only Orwell but the wider district. The proposals could also deliver an element of build to rent, helping to increase accessibility to housing for different sections of the community.

Southern & regional Developments (Joscelyn) consider that it is important for the Plan to deliver a varied range of housing, particularly with respect to bedroom size and tenure mix that reflects the findings of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. However, to ensure that development can truly address local needs and respond to locational characteristics, such development requirements for residential proposals should not be overly or inappropriately prescriptive. Schemes for residential development should be required to deliver a housing mix that most appropriately caters for the needs of the community it will serve and should not be controlled by a restrictive development management policy which applies particular obligations for development to deliver at the strategic level. It is recognised that affordability is a major issue within Greater Cambridge, particularly within the rural areas and villages. It is considered that there is a need for the emerging Local Plan policy to address this issue and ensure that a mix of types and tenures is catered for across the whole of the plan area. Similarly, where settlements are dominated by a particular housing type or scale, there should be the opportunity through emerging plan policy for Development Frameworks to be suitably amended. Southern & Regional Developments (Joscelyn) maintain that although the new Plan should include policy guidance on housing types, including size and tenure mix, such guidance should be supported by the most up to date evidence and have the ability to respond directly to specific local requirements. The wording of any policy should reflect this and provide suitable provisions for housing mix to be informed by local circumstances and market influences. Taking into account the size of the plan area and the varied characteristics of the area, it is important that any policy guidance includes an appropriate degree of flexibility in its requirements for housing development. For example, housing mix requirements will differ between settlements across the entire Plan area, given that the needs of rural South Cambridgeshire will be different from those within Cambridge City. It is therefore important that any attempt to include specific housing mix and type requirements within development management policies should ensure a degree of flexibility and acknowledge locational considerations. Summary of Comments: Policies for housing mix/type should not be prescriptive and should reflect the requirements as identified in the latest SHMA.

6.4 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 6.5 Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan; through market housing, low-cost and affordable housing. 6.6 The site has the potential to deliver up to 50 homes and would comprise both market and affordable housing of a range of size, type and tenures to meet needs of not only the local community but the wider district. This is in line with the aspirations and objectives of the Histon and Impington Neighbourhood Plan. The proposals would therefore respond adequately to the challenges and opportunities of the different components of the community.

4.19 The NPPF sets out that, within the context of local housing needs assessments, the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community should be assessed and reflected in planning policies. This should include, but not be limited to those who require affordable housing, families with children, older people, students, people with disabilities, service families, travellers, people who rent their homes and people wishing to commission or build their own homes (NPPF, paragraph 61). 4.20 The Issues and Options consultation document identifies the need for affordable homes, including a balance of affordable tenure types (affordable rented, shared ownership and community-led housing)(page 63). It also highlights the need for “diverse housing for diverse communities” (page 64), covering flexible housing that is accessible and adaptable; housing for downsizing; specialist housing; student accommodation; shared accommodation; custom and self-build housing; built to rent (BTR) and local worker housing. 4.21 The kind of housing that should be provided in Greater Cambridge will need to be based on a clear and robust evidence of need as set out in a new Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA). However, housing policies within the Local Plan should ensure a realistic element of flexibility, so that a diversity of provision can be made. This will also ensure that housing policies are future-proofed and can respond to changing market conditions as may arise during the plan period. 4.22 Hill and Chivers support the provision of a range of house sizes, types and tenures. It is important that new housing is delivered across a variety of site sizes, typologies and locations. Their Site at Hardwick offers the opportunity to deliver a mix of housing, meeting a range of needs and supporting the local community.

6.4 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 6.5 Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan; through market housing, low-cost and affordable housing. 6.6 The site has the potential to deliver five new market homes to meet needs of not only Impington and Histon but the wider district. The proposals would therefore contribute to increasing accessibility to housing for families, the site is well suited to the provision of small/medium sized homes ideal as starter homes. The proposal is on a sub one-hectare site, therefore sporting the Council’s requirement to meet at least 10% of its housing requirement on sites no larger than one hectare (a requirement set out by Paragraph 68(a) of the NPPF);

2.19 It is important that wide range of housing types are provided, and are facilitated by both allocations and policy as part of the new Local Plan. Clearly there is a need for both market and affordable housing; it is also important that the new Local Plan provides additional types of housing. 2.20 The Issues and Options document sets out the need for diverse housing, including housing for older people. This provision is key to ensuring that older people are able to downsize into appropriate accommodation in the right locations. This would in turn release housing stock for other households. The need for student accommodation is also considered in the Issues and Options document, and this is an important requirement for Cambridge where there are universities, colleges and schools that need accommodation to house their students. 2.21 With regards to Land at Ely Road, Milton, the development of this site would provide an opportunity to deliver more diverse housing. For example, in order to meet the needs of the elderly the site is highly suitable for specialist retirement accommodation given the range of services nearby and the availability of public transport. This could be either in combination with market and affordable housing or as an allocation in its own right. The location of the site immediately adjacent to the College of West Anglia means the site would be suitable for student accommodation.

Paragraph 61 of NPPF expects the size, type and tenure of housing needs of the community to be assessed and reflected in planning policies, including for example those with an affordable housing need, students, renters and self-builders. It is noted that the existing and planned new settlements in South Cambridgeshire and some of the strategic sites are not delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. As such, it is considered that emerging GCLP should seek to allocate sites which are capable of delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. The promoted development of the land at Fen Drayton Road, Swavesey would deliver a policy compliant mix of housing and tenures.

To ensure the Local Plan is inclusive there is a need for the Local Plan to provide for a wide range of housing including a diverse range of tenures. It is also recommended that the emerging Local Plan is informed by a robust evidence base to establish the size, type, and tenure of housing needed in the area. As explained in the response to question 31 above, there needs to be a sufficient amount of residential moorings proposed to be allocated in the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. The severe lack of moorings and the resulting issues need to be taken into consideration by the Councils when preparing this combined Local Plan.

6.10 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 6.11 Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan; through market housing, low-cost and affordable housing. 6.12 A housing needs survey has not been specifically conducted for Shepreth. It is recognised that engagement with the local community and Housing Officers will be required in respect of emerging proposals at Land at Frog End, Shepreth to achieve a suitable mix of dwellings on site to meet the housing need of the local community.

2.13 It is important that wide range of housing types are provided, and are facilitated by both allocations and policy as part of the new Local Plan. Clearly there is a need for both market and affordable housing, but it is also important that the new Local Plan provides additional types of housing, including housing for older people. This can ensure that older people feel that they can downsize into appropriate accommodation in the right locations. This would in turn release housing stock for other households.

3.37 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 3.38 It is important that the Councils assess the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community; this should be reflected in planning policies. This will ensure the delivery of a sufficient supply of homes as outlined under Paragraph 61 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2019. 3.39 The Housing Delivery Study (February 2020) prepared by Barton Willmore also highlights the low levels of affordability within the City and South Cambridgeshire. The need to provide a range of affordable housing tenures is critical to attract workers in the professional, scientific and technology’ and human health and social work’ sectors of employment. 3.40 The new Local Plan should provide sufficient new homes for older people. The Government’s Planning Practice Guidance clearly advises that the need to provide housing for older people is critical. Therefore, an understanding of how the ageing population affects housing needs is something to be considered from the early stages of plan-making through to decision-taking (Paragraph: 001 Reference ID: 63-001-20190626). Furthermore, plans will need to provide for specialist housing for older people where a need exists, with innovative and diverse housing models where appropriate. 3.41 The Councils current supply side analysis for housing for the older population does not show the true extent of what is needed. Furthermore, it only forecasts needs to 2035. The new Greater Cambridge Local Plan will need to plan for a greater level of older people housing than currently anticipated by the Councils. Further detail is provided within the Greater Cambridge – Specialist Accommodation for the Elderly (February 2020) prepared by Healthcare Property Consultants. 3.42 Allocating larger scale development with the scope to include a wide range of affordable housing and specialist accommodation can help meet some of this need. Especially where all groups in society has easy access to jobs, shops and services via sustainable transport modes. A new mixed use community at Land at Gazelle Way offers this opportunity. It is in a highly accessible location on the edge of Cambridge and can be comprehensively planned to offer a range of housing for all generations within a vibrant and attractive landscape setting.

6.8 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 6.9 Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan, through market housing, low-cost and affordable housing.

6.5 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 6.6 Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan; through market housing, low-cost and affordable housing.

Paragraph 61 of NPPF expects the size, type and tenure of housing needs of the community to be assessed and reflected in planning policies, including for example those with an affordable housing need, students, renters and selfbuilders. It is noted that the existing and planned new settlements in South Cambridgeshire and some of the strategic sites are not delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. As such, it is considered that emerging GCLP should seek to allocate sites which are capable of delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. The submitted Concept Masterplan for land to the east of the Ridgeway and Old Pinewood Way, Papworth Everard demonstrates how 160 dwellings could come forward on the site. The promoted development includes options to provide a range of dwelling sizes and styles and affordable housing to meet local needs of Papworth Everard. In 2018 there was an identified need for 56 affordable dwellings in Papworth Everard for those with a local connection to the village – see South Cambridgeshire District Council's 'Housing Statistical Information Leaflet' December 2018. The delivery of 160 dwellings at Land to the east of the Ridgeway and Old Pinewood Way, Papworth Everard with a level of affordable housing which is compliant with current planning policy requirements (40%) would deliver 64 affordable dwellings. This would address the current need that there is for affordable housing within Papworth Everard and help address future needs also.

There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan; through market housing, low-cost and affordable housing.

Paragraph 61 of NPPF expects the size, type and tenure of housing needs of the community to be assessed and reflected in planning policies, including for example those with an affordable housing need, students, renters and self-builders. It is noted that the existing and planned new settlements in South Cambridgeshire and some of the strategic sites are not delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. As such, it is considered that emerging GCLP should seek to allocate sites which are capable of delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. The promoted development at land north of Oakington Road in Cottenham would include housing and affordable housing. A mix of house types and sizes would be provided within the promoted development.

2.46 Housing needs to provide a suitable mix of all types of provision to ensure that the needs from all aspects are met. The housing provided needs to be adaptable and allow people to remain in housing for perpetuity if desired.

6.5 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 6.6 Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan; through market housing, low-cost and affordable housing.

Section 4.6.3 reinforces the unaffordability of house prices within the Greater Cambridge area and thus reinforces the fact that the Local Plan must ensure appropriate and viable levels of affordable housing as well planning for a balance of tenure types, including affordable rent, shared ownership and community-led housing. The demand for housing within the Greater Cambridge has expanded and this has exacerbated the ‘affordability gap’ in respect of house prices across the plan area. The Local Plan must therefore prioritise the delivery of adequate affordable housing available throughout the Greater Cambridge area, including rural areas and villages. The Local Plan must also ensure that villages and rural areas in South Cambridgeshire remain sustainable and viable places to live. Although there has been an increase in the delivery of Rural Exception Sites to provide affordable housing in South Cambridgeshire, the ad hoc nature of these sites means that they cannot be relied upon as a secure means of supply. The Local Plan must therefore allocate more housing within villages in the South Cambridgeshire to ensure sustainability and a sufficient level of growth. South Cambridge now has an increased proportion of those over 65, with people living longer and less housing development in such areas, house prices are increasing. Local people are facing difficulties of affordability including buying or renting a home in their community. The Local Plan must act to counteract this and to do this it has two options: (i) increase residential developments in villages and rural areas, and (ii) introduce ageing homes which allow elderly people to remain in their community but be able to downsize to a more appropriate, accessible and affordable home. As clarified in the NPPF, paragraph 61 confirms that the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community should be assessed and reflected in planning policies, including for those who require affordable housing, families with children, older people, service families, people who rent their homes and people wishing to commission or build their own homes.

2.52 The comments made in response to question 31 are also applicable here and the Comberton proposals assist in meeting the varied needs. 2.53 As has been set out previously within this consultation response, the proposals for Comberton will see the provision of housing to meet a wider range of needs from homes for first time buyers through to later living provision, all successfully integrated into the proposals and Comberton more generally. The development will also provide affordable housing across a range of tenures, and also has the potential to meet any demand identified for self-build plots. 2.54 The consultation document specifically references a need for more specialist housing for older people and the proposals demonstrate a distinct offer with the later living housing provision at the heart of this development. 2.55 The later living proposals are based on direct discussions with potential providers with an interest in this location to design a carefully considered Care Village with ancillary open community space, garden and leisure areas, and landscaping. 2.56 The Village is intended to offer a retirement lifestyle built on knowledge, expertise and ethics where passion and understanding are designed into the fabric of every building with the health and happiness of the residents at the heart of the proposals. Proposals are designed to encourage residents to have an active and engaged lifestyle with services aligned to support wellness and well-being. Such proposals are the future of retirement accommodation where age matters less and loneliness, anxiety and boredom are replaced by fun and peace of mind. The intention is that the risk of institutionalised care is greatly reduced if not avoided completely. 2.57 Part of this process is for the village to be located within a beautiful and tranquil setting allowing people to flourish in their later years either independently for longer, or with varying degrees of support in the form of specifically tailored extra care units. 2.58 A key aspiration of such facilities is the retention of the link with the existing village, with the location towards the southern end of the site specifically chosen for that reason with physical footpath links. A central core comprising gym, spa and other leisure, fitness, health and wellbeing provision together with creative space facilities are to be shared with Comberton and allow residents to retain their connection with the village and prevent isolation. 2.59 A report has been prepared by Healthcare Property Consultants (HPC) and submitted as part of these representations. It summarises a forecast demand far higher than established through Greater Cambridge’s assessments which are based on demand rather than need. The HPC report is to 2035, due to a limit on available data, showing a rising need and therefore it should be noted that the demand to 2040 in the plan period is even greater than that set out within the submitted report. 2.60 Across Greater Cambridge, the report highlights a cumulative growth rate of over 65s at 40%, comfortably ahead of the 36% nationally. Indeed, given the high student population within Cambridge City, the position in South Cambridgeshire and villages such as Comberton is more acute and demonstrates a significant demand for the retirement living proposed here.

Paragraph 61 of NPPF expects the size, type and tenure of housing needs of the community to be assessed and reflected in planning policies, including for example those with an affordable housing need, students, renters and self-builders. It is noted that the existing and planned new settlements in South Cambridgeshire and some of the strategic sites are not delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. As such, it is considered that emerging GCLP should seek to allocate sites which are capable of delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. Land South of Milton Road, Impington could provide a mix of dwelling types and sizes to meet the varied need that there is for additional housing across Greater Cambridge.

Paragraph 61 of NPPF expects the size, type and tenure of housing needs of the community to be assessed and reflected in planning policies, including for example those with an affordable housing need, students, renters and self-builders. It is noted that the existing and planned new settlements in South Cambridgeshire and some of the strategic sites are not delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. As such, it is considered that emerging GCLP should seek to allocate sites which are capable of delivering policy compliant levels of affordable housing. The promoted development at land off Shepreth Road in Foxton includes housing and affordable housing.

3.27 With the plan period being proposed up to 2040, it is important that housing policies provide an ability to flex to a variety of housing tenures which is ever evolving. Land adjacent to Balsham Road, Linton is likely to include low cost home ownership, traditional affordable and outright market sale housing as well as privately rented homes, in order to meet the needs of a range of different proposed residents from different demographics.

6.8 Paragraph 61 of NPPF expects the size, type and tenure of housing needs of the community to be assessed and reflected in planning policies, including for example those with an affordable housing need, older people, students, renters and self-builders. 6.9 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan; through market and affordable housing.

Southerrn & regional Developments (Cottenham) consider that it is important for the Plan to deliver a varied range of housing, particularly with respect to bedroom size and tenure mix that reflects the findings of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. However, to ensure that development can truly address local needs and respond to locational characteristics, such development requirements for residential proposals should not be overly or inappropriately prescriptive. Schemes for residential development should be required to deliver a housing mix that most appropriately caters for the needs of the community it will serve and should not be controlled by a restrictive development management policy which applies particular obligations for development to deliver at the strategic level. It is recognised that affordability is a major issue within Greater Cambridge, particularly within the rural areas and villages. It is considered that there is a need for the emerging Local Plan policy to address this issue and ensure that a mix of types and tenures is catered for across the whole of the plan area. Similarly, where settlements are dominated by a particular housing type or scale, there should be the opportunity through emerging plan policy for Development Frameworks to be suitably amended. Southern & Regional Developments (Cottenham) maintain that although the new Plan should include policy guidance on housing types, including size and tenure mix, such guidance should be supported by the most up to date evidence and have the ability to respond directly to specific local requirements. The wording of any policy should reflect this and provide suitable provisions for housing mix to be informed by local circumstances and market influences. Taking into account the size of the plan area and the varied characteristics of the area, it is important that any policy guidance includes an appropriate degree of flexibility in its requirements for housing development. For example, housing mix requirements will differ between settlements across the entire Plan area, given that the needs of rural South Cambridgeshire will be different from those within Cambridge City. It is therefore important that any attempt to include specific housing mix and type requirements within development management policies should ensure a degree of flexibility and acknowledge locational considerations. Summary of Comments: Policies for housing mix/type should not be prescriptive and should reflect the requirements as identifed in the latest SHMA.

6.5 Land to the north of Main Street, Shudy Camps. has the potential to deliver 15 homes and would comprise both market and affordable housing of a range of sizes, types and tenures to meet the needs of Shudy Camps and the wider district. 6.6 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and those of the local area should be taken into account in determining the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 6.7 Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan. Housing need may be satisfied by a combination of market housing alongside low-cost and affordable housing.

It is important to provide a range of housing types across the shared planning area. Greater Cambridge should seek to provide market housing, affordable housing (social rent and intermediate) and self-build housing, and direct the development towards sustainable locations with includes edge of village locations that can support a viable development opportunity.

7.2.1 In allocating sites the Council should be mindful that to maximize housing supply the widest possible range of sites, by size and market location are required so that house builders of all types and sizes have access to suitable land in order to offer the widest possible range of products. The key to increased housing supply is the number of sales outlets. Whilst SUEs and new settlements may have multiple outlets, in general increasing the number of sales outlets available means increasing the number of housing sites. The maximum delivery is achieved not just because there are more sales outlets but because the widest possible range of products and locations are available to meet the widest possible range of demand. In summary a wider variety of sites in the widest possible range of locations ensures all types of house builder have access to suitable land which in turn increases housing delivery. Housing Mix 7.2.2 In terms of housing mix, Gladman would recommend that the Local Plan avoids a prescriptive housing mix requirement, rather that the policy should allow for schemes to determine the most appropriate housing mix for the particular location. The Plan could include an indicative mix which may be encouraged if appropriate rather than a strict requirement. The housing provided will need to reflect the needs across the area and any policy will need to be flexible and recognise that the specific housing needs may change over the course of the plan period. Affordable Housing 7.2.3 The provision of affordable housing should be a key priority for the new Local Plan. Affordability of housing across the Greater Cambridge area is a significant issue, with the Median Affordability ratios being 12.95 and 10.25 for Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire district respectively. 7.2.4 It will be important that the affordable housing requirement set through the new Local Plan is tested through the Local Plan Viability Assessment and that it is set at a deliverable level, whilst also ensure that the housing needs are met. 7.2.5 It may be necessary for the Local Plan to include varied affordable housing requirements based on site type and location. This will need to be considered further through the preparation of the Plan. Housing for Older People 7.2.6 The provision of specialist housing to meet the needs of older people is of increasing importance and the Councils need to ensure that this is reflected through a positive policy approach within the new Local Plan. The Councils need a robust understanding of the scale of this type of need across the Greater Cambridge area and need to set out an approach capable of delivering accommodation to meet this need. Gladman believe that it would be appropriate for the Local Plan to seek to identify specific sites to deliver for this specific need as this would provide a greater level of certainty regarding delivery. 7.2.7 Specialist housing with care for older people is a type of housing which provides choice to adults with varying care needs and enables them to live as independently as possible in their own self contained homes, where people are able to access high quality, flexible support and care services on site to suit their individual needs (including dementia care). Such schemes differ from traditional sheltered/retirement accommodation schemes and should provide internally accessible communal facilities including residents’ lounge, library, dining room, guest suit, quiet lounge, IT suit, assisted bathroom, internal buggy store and changing facilities, reception and care managers office and staff facilities. Self-build and Custom-build Housing 7.2.8 Gladman would welcome the addition of a policy in relation to self-build housing within the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. This would be in line with current government thinking and objectives. It is key that the development industry are able to understand the implications of any such policy requirement, to assist with the design of schemes and the consideration of financial viability. 7.2.9 Gladman recommend that any policy requirement in relation to self-build housing has an element of flexibility built in to allow for negotiation over self-build plots on the basis of identified demand and also viability to ensure that site delivery is not delayed or prevented from coming forward. Any specific requirement to include self-build plots should be tested through the Council’s viability assessment of the Local Plan policies to ensure that the cumulative impacts of all proposed local standards and policy requirements do not put the implementation of the Plan as a whole at risk. 7.2.10 Further to this, Gladman urge the Council to ensure the policy has added flexibility as there is no guarantee that these units will be delivered and there may be situations when they are difficult to deliver which may result in the non-delivery of otherwise sustainable land for housing. Therefore, Gladman recommend that any policy specific requirement needs to include a mechanism whereby if the self-build plots are not taken up within a given time period then these revert back to market housing to be provided as part of the wider scheme. This would provide flexibility and help to ensure that the required housing is delivered.

6.5 There should be flexibility within the Local Plan to respond to changing housing needs over the Local Plan period. Consideration of individual site circumstances and the circumstances of a local area should be taken into account to determine the appropriate type of housing for development sites. Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 6.6 Flexibility will be key to a successful Local Plan; through market housing, low-cost and affordable housing. 6.7 Land to the west of Mill Street, Gamlingay has the potential to deliver up to 90 homes and would comprise both market and affordable housing of a range of size, type and tenures to meet needs of not only Gamlingay but the wider district. The proposals would therefore contribute to increasing accessibility to housing for the whole community.

2.23 Separate housing needs assessments should be used to inform the appropriate size, type and tenure of housing needed for different sections of the community, as set out within the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2019-2023. 2.24 It will be important for the Council to identify and allocate sites to meet the specific needs of older people. The Councils will need to establish a housing requirement specifically for the needs of older people. This will ensure that the supply of such homes can be effectively monitored and any under supply be taken into account when making decisions on applications for older peoples’ accommodation. 2.25 Cambridgeshire County Council Older People’s Accommodation Strategy (April 2016) recognised that: ‘Without better housing in the community to which people belong, the choice for older people will often lie between getting by in unsuitable accommodation or uprooting to some form of institution home, often removed from familiar surroundings.’ 2.26 This illustrates the importance for the new Local Plan to allocate new sites for C2 use.