Question 35. How should we ensure a high standard of housing is built in our area?

7.7 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insultation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target. 7.8 The promoter of the site, Trinity College, is an established institution with experience of promoting and delivering sites for high quality residential development. It is expected that the Gas Field would come forward in partnership with a delivery partner selected by the College, to ensure that a high quality scheme and homes are delivered. The Council’s ambition for the Local Plan to ensure that high quality developments and homes are delivered aligns with the College’s values and the development of the site would contribute to the delivery of high quality housing across the area.

Employ independent, high quality architects to review designs. Also see response to 16. Ensure that building control is operated by the planning authorities and make it a condition that developers do not designate their own building inspectors as some are now allowed to. Response to Q16: There is no such thing as ‘good growth’. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the growth economic model has to be substantially modified or even abandoned if the human race is to survive. However, there can be good developments in which effective planning and design can promote wellbeing and social cohesion. A good mix of housing, with sufficient truly affordable housing which includes housing for different age groups and housing suitable for the physically challenged will assist. Consideration needs to be given to ongoing care and maintenance, including security and the delivery of services, if wellbeing and social cohesion are to be maintained. More green and blue integrated infrastructure will assist mental health and well-being. Design standards should be maintained through provision of Design Guides and Landscape and Townscape Assessment. There must be a strong policy on building to meet the challenges of climate change minimisation and mitigation. Design Standards and build quality musty be firmly enforced once permission for development is granted to ensure the actual development is carried out in precise accordance with standards and policies. Building control must be strengthened and returned to be completely under the control of the local planning authority.

6.7 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insulation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target.

6.7 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insultation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target. 6.8 Health impact assessments on developments of a scale that can deliver meaningful health improvements can create a higher level of built environment in housing developments.

Refer to the response to Question 23 above.

No response proposed.

6.6 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insulation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target. 5 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Industrial Strategy 2019, p13 6.7 Health impact assessments on developments of a scale that can deliver meaningful health improvements can create a higher level of built environment in housing developments.

2.41. The emerging Local Plan should aspire to a high standard of design whilst taking a pragmatic approach to specific site considerations. Specific policy requirements, such as the incorporation of minimum space standards and the energy efficiency measures, need to be appropriately justified as part of the supporting evidence base.

5.7 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high-quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insultation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target. 5.8 Health impact assessments on developments of a scale that can deliver meaningful health improvements can create a higher level of built environment in housing developments.

6.13 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high-quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insultation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target. Wates Developments is committed to providing sustainable development that delivers positive outcomes for local communities.

4.49 It is essential to ensure that the housing is located in a sustainable location in the first instance. With regard to construction, the policies within the Local Plan should be clear as to the expectations and requirements in respect of the key issues of energy efficency and renewable energy requirements. However, policies should focus on the outputs that are critical e.g. energy and water usage.

4.48 It is essential to ensure that the housing is located in a sustainable location in the first instance. With regard to construction, the policies within the Local Plan should be clear as to the expectations and requirements in respect of the key issues of energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements. However, policies should focus on the outputs that are critical e.g. energy and water usage.

6.7 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insultation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target.

6.9 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insultation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target. 6.10 Health impact assessments on developments of a scale that can deliver meaningful health improvements can create a higher level of built environment in housing developments. 6.11 The Varrier-Jones Foundation is committed to providing sustainable development that delivers positive outcomes for local communities.

WITH REFERENCE TO 4.6.3 (Q32-35) The number of homes, and their size and tenure, has a significant impact upon the child yield which is forecast from a new development and ultimately, help to shape the education which is required both in the short and longer term. The expectations for delivery, including the proportion of affordable housing, is essential to enable the Council to review its current provision, and inform its planning for the future.

4.66 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high-quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insultation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target.

2.59 As set out in the response to Question 23 above, national guidance on design already exists which should be reflected in design policies in emerging GCLP. 2.60 The methods already in place and used by Greater Cambridge help ensure that high standard of housing is delivered both at the design stage as well as the construction (and post-construction) stage. Design Reviews panels especially, that take place from the very initial design development of a project, are accepted and proven to be a very effective method in encouraging high standards as well as overall design aspirations. Design Reviews have a number of tools associated to them, Design Charettes for example are proven to help further the design aspirations and solution for a development as well as assist with cementing them in their delivery by the client and project team. Design Codes delivered at masterplanning stage, alongside the outline planning package, can further ensure the delivery of a high standard of housing. 2.61 Internal residential space standards can help to ensure that appropriate homes are delivered that meet the needs of the occupants. However, there may be some formats where exceptions may be appropriate – for example co-living formats including student and young professional accommodation, housing for ‘downsizers’ etc. These groups may prefer smaller homes with greater shared space and it may be appropriate to provide for this need in the context of a balanced housing offer. However, in these cases we would expect there to be clear requirements around the nature and quality of shared space. We would also encourage pilot testing (on a smaller scale) of more innovative solutions to housing, which might include other micro-living models that have not yet been used in Cambridge but have proved successful in other UK/international cities. 2.62 In terms of external space standards, we support the principle of ensuring that all homes have adequate and appropriate access to outdoor space and support the aspiration for most homes to have some private outdoor space. We would, at this stage, question whether it is realistic to expect that 100% of dwellings will have direct access to an area of private amenity space, given the quantum of development envisaged and the range of different housing typologies that will be necessary to deliver this quantum. In situations where it isn’t appropriate to deliver private outdoor space, convenient access to high quality communal and public spaces would be provided. Ultimately, a flexible approach to residential amenity space must be taken, incorporating elements such as roof gardens and balconies as well as elements such as private gardens. 2.63 We also generally support the accessibility standards used in the Cambridge Local Plan 2018. This standard is meeting Part M of the Building Regulations, however due to the requirements of meeting a higher than normal housing number target on the Site, we would require flexibility on how the standard is applied. It is important that the Cambridge Local Plan accessibility standards offers flexibility on how the standards are achieved across the many elements of the new masterplanned scheme. While designing for and incorporating accessibility standards is also accepted as a progressive way to future-proof new housing, it is important the standards do not affect the ability of the scheme to meet the density and the target housing required. Currently the Cambridge Local Plan has adopted the optional standard Part M4(2) and has also adopted M4(3) based on a percentage, which is still higher than the national standards, this may have an adverse impact on our scheme.

· Poor standards of cycle parking prevent people from cycling. Accessible, high-quality, secure and plentiful cycle parking is a critical element of high-standard housing and will enable more people to cycle regularly. · Good cycle parking is a factor in house buying and renting decisions. · Cycle parking standards must be updated to increase the number of cycle parking spaces required for developments, and the design standards have to be updated with modern, inclusive cycle parking specifications. · Cycle parking policies must be absolutely clear about the need for accessible cycle stands that can be used by people of all abilities and specific about the design and installation requirements. · There must be a proportion of cycle stands that are suitable for cargo cycles, tricycles, adapted cycles and recumbents. · Vertical and semi-vertical cycle parking racks must be absolutely prohibited. · Two-tier racks must not be allowed for residential uses, and must be accompanied by a suitable proportion of Sheffield stands in non-residential uses for people who cannot use the two-tier racks. · Cycle parking should never be referred to as 'cycle storage', because 'parking' implies frequent usage and 'storage' does not; we want the design of cycle parking to be as convenient as possible in order to enable frequent usage. · Cycle parking should be at least as close to entry doors as any car parking. Convenience for everyday usage is paramount.

L&Q Estates Ltd and Hill Residential Ltd have vast experience of promoting and delivering sites for high quality new communities. The Council’s ambition for the Local Plan to ensure that high quality developments and homes are delivered aligns with the values of the promotors and the development of the Site would contribute to the delivery of high-quality housing across the area.

6.7 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insultation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target.

6.6 Local Plan policies can require a high standard of design for new residential development, leading from Government policy and guidance. Appropriately worded design policies should require a high quality design for new dwellings. This could include sustainable design principles including measures to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, water saving measures, use of efficient insulation material and heating systems, the reduction and recycling of construction materials, provision of appropriate amenity space and accessibility. Policy should not be prescriptive for precisely how it will be accomplished, it can set a policy-level, but developers should be able to use a host of options to achieve the target. 6.7 Health impact assessments on developments of a scale that can deliver meaningful health improvements can create a higher level of built environment in housing developments.