Question 40. How flexible should the Local Plan be towards development of both jobs and homes on the edge of villages?

Highly flexible

Highly flexible. The NPPF aims to significantly boost the supply of housing by ensuring that sufficient land is available to meet the needs of the population. Paragraph 59 of the Framework states that ‘to support the Government’s objective of significantly boosting the supply of homes, it is important that a sufficient amount and variety of land can come forward where it is needed, that the needs of groups with specific housing requirements are addressed, and that land with permission is developed without unnecessary delay’. South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) has a track record of the under-delivery of housing, particularly affordable housing. The 2019 Annual Monitoring Report shows that only 25% of housing delivered was within the SCDC’s own definition of affordable housnig. The Greater Cambridge Housing Delivery Strategy acknowledges the unaffordability of housing within Cambridge, and states that a greater proportion of affordable housing is required in the greater Cambridge area including rural areas where the under-delivery of affordable housing felt acutely. With particular regard to rural housing, paragraph 77 of the NPPF states that planning policies should reflect the local housing need and support development which meets this need. Paragraph 78 of the NPPF sets out that to deliver sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will maintain or enhance the viability of the rural community. The Greater Cambridge Issues and Options report acknowledges that the villages in the Plan area have an ageing population and that retaining a wide variety of services and facilities for residents is challenging. Paragraph 78 of the NPPF states that sustainable housing evelopment within rural areas should be located where it helps to maintain or enhance the vitality of the rural community. As such, the allocation of land in villages is required in order to ensure compliance with paragraph 78 of the NPPF as it is acknowledged that villages in the Plan area are unsustainable and in decline due to their demographic. The existing South Cambridgeshire Local Plan which was adopted in 2018 is restrictive of development within rural areas. The current village frameworks are drawn tightly around the existing built landscape development and will stifle any development opportunties. Such strict and ‘tightly drawn’ development frameworks in villages do not provide adequate flexibility for villages to grow. It is considered the forthcoming plan is required to be more flexible to address the needs of villages to ensure accordance with paragraph 78 of the NPPF. For villages which are categorised as "Group Villages", these are identified as being capable of accommodating limited development, particularly affordable housing to meet local need. It is considered that the policies in the Greater Cambridge Plan need to be applied more flexibly applied to ensure housng which meets the needs of all groups in the locality can be met to ensure the delivery of sustainable development. Edge of village development, which may or may not be currently allocated within the village framework, can provide opportunities for sustainable development through infilling of vacant sites, and assists in the consolidation of settlements. Sites on the edge of villages can help to meet the demand for growth in a limited capacity whilst addressing the needs of the local population. Summary of Comments: The existing South Cambridgeshire Local Plan which was adopted in 2018 is restrictive of development within rural areas. The current village frameworks are drawn tightly around the existing built landscape development and will stifle any development opportunties. Such strict and ‘tightly drawn’ development frameworks in villages Such as Guilden Morden in South Cambridgeshire do not provide adequate flexibility for villages to grow. It is considered the forthcoming plan is required to be more flexible to address the needs of villages to ensure accordance with paragraph 78 of the NPPF. For villages which are categorised as "Group Villages", these are identified as being capable of accommodating limited development, particularly affordable housing to meet local need.

Nothing chosen

It is noted that the existing defined settlement boundaries for most villages in South Cambridgeshire have remained largely unchanged since the Local Plan 2004; although sites were allocated within and on the edge of some villages in the Site Specific Allocations DPD in 2010 and for the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018. It is very likely that most of the development opportunities within existing village boundaries would have been taken up by now. It is also likely that heritage assets within some villages, such as conservation areas and listed buildings, will constrain development opportunities. It is not clear whether the Council’s have undertaken an assessment of the capacity of villages to accommodate additional development; it is likely that such an assessment would demonstrate that the capacity is limited. On the basis of the above, it is considered that the current site size threshold limits in the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 are largely irrelevant and ineffective e.g. there are few outstanding development opportunities for up to 30 dwellings within existing framework boundaries in Minor Rural Centres, and Linton is an example where there are few opportunities within the boundary. In any event, there are numerous examples between 2014 and 2019 when planning applications were approved and appeals were allowed on sites within and on the edge of settlements, including in Linton, that were contrary to the existing site size threshold limits. Therefore, it is considered that the emerging GCLP should seek to allocate suitable sites on the edge of existing sustainable villages, in conjunction with a general policy that supports development within existing framework boundaries but without specifying any size limits. This suggested approach would ensure that sufficient land is allocated for development at villages to support services and facilities and ensure that sufficient physical and community infrastructure can be planned, and would provide some flexibility about development within village boundaries so that the form and scale of development reflects site specific characteristics.

Nothing chosen

It is noted that the existing defined settlement boundaries for most villages in South Cambridgeshire have remained largely unchanged since the Local Plan 2004; although sites were allocated within and on the edge of some villages in the Site Specific Allocations DPD in 2010 and for the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018. It is very likely that most of the development opportunities within existing village boundaries would have been taken up by now. It is also likely that heritage assets within some villages, such as conservation areas and listed buildings, will constrain development opportunities. It is not clear whether the Councils have undertaken an assessment of the capacity of villages to accommodate additional development within the development framework boundaries; it is likely that such an assessment would demonstrate that the capacity is limited. On the basis of the above, it is considered that the current site size threshold limits in the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 are largely irrelevant and ineffective e.g. there are few outstanding development opportunities for up to 30 dwellings in Minor Rural Centres, 8 dwellings in Group Villages or 2 dwellings in Infill Villages. In any event, there are numerous examples between 2014 and 2019 when planning applications were approved and appeals were allowed on sites within and on the edge of settlements that were contrary to the existing site size threshold limits. Therefore, it is considered that the emerging GCLP should seek to allocate suitable sites on the edge of existing sustainable villages, in conjunction with a general policy that supports development within existing framework boundaries but without specifying any size limits. This suggested approach would ensure that sufficient land is allocated for development at villages to support services and facilities, ensure that sufficient physical and community infrastructure can be planned, and affordable housing needs would be met. This approach would also provide some flexibility so that development can reflect site specific characteristics.

Nothing chosen

We should require developers to create infrastructure before building houses. In the case of larger scale non-housing developments obligations which developers take to mitigate the effects of such developments must take account of and mitigate the effect of such developments on the broader environment and need to be robustly policed to ensure that such obligations are fulfilled.

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43. At present, Cambourne is classified as a Rural Centre in the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. Rural Centres are the largest, most sustainable villages within the district. However, since the adoption of the Local Plan, Cambourne has been reclassified as a town. As such, the 6 settlement hierarchy within the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan must be updated to reflect this significant change. 44. Additionally, Cambourne is the largest and most sustainable settlement in South Cambridgeshire. The Cambourne West development is one of four linked villages alongside Great Cambourne, Lower Cambourne and Upper Cambourne which make up the new settlement. These villages provide Cambourne with an exemplar range of jobs and services including new schools, community and leisure facilities and employment opportunities, particularly at Cambourne Business Park. 45. These services, alongside the recent announcement of the preferred route of the East West Railway between Bedford and Cambridge with a new station at Cambourne as well as plans for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) to link Cambourne to Cambridge City Centre, make the settlement the optimum location for additional growth moving forward. 46. The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) have confirmed that the Cambourne to Cambridge Public Transport Route is a priority project and will form the first phase of the CAM. The project will deliver a reliable and sustainable public transport service between Cambourne and Cambridge, as well as new cycling and walking facilities into the city. The GCP have recognised that a new reliable, public transport route will create sustainable travel choices, connect communities and support growth. 47. Furthermore, the planned location for the new Cambourne Rail Station to serve the East West Rail service to the south of Cambourne, make this area an opportune location for considering future growth opportunities. There will inevitably be demand for infrastructure in the form of shops, business and homes around the new station and location for this growth should be considered as part of the Greater Cambridge Plan. 48. Given this, the settlement boundaries for Cambourne should be reconsidered and reassessed to allow for further sustainable development to come forward. Significant flexibility should be given towards the development of housing and jobs on the edges of Cambourne to provide a sustainable location growth.

Nothing chosen

8.1 The presumption in favour of sustainable development is recognised, however there should be a degree of flexibility in terms of allowing appropriate development outside of the settlement boundaries of villages, in particular, if development meets a particular local business or community need as set out within Para. 84 of the NPPF. Sustainable development in rural areas is also supported under Para. 78 of the NPPF, which requires planning policies to identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services. 8.2 Papworth Everard is considered a suitable location for a village extension given the increasingly sustainable location of the village, with access to local services and transport links. VJF’s land identified as Parcel A is considered appropriate to facilitate residential development of up to some 450 homes with suitable landscaping. Parcel C is a suitable location to expand the existing Papworth Business Park to support the success of the existing Park and to cater for increasing tenant demand.

Nothing chosen

Summary: The new Local Plan should provide greater flexibility in allowing villages to grow to ensure their future vitality and viability, especially for those villages outside of the Cambridge Green Belt. This is essential in supporting a prosperous rural economy. The new Local Plan should allow existing local employment areas to grow and expand. For example, Wyndmere Park in Guilden Morden is an established local employment area supporting a range of local businesses. There is circa 7.2 hectares of additional land available adjacent to the site which is suitable and available to provide additional employment floorspace for existing and new occupiers. Full Text: As part of a hybrid approach to the distribution of new development, the new Local Plan should provide greater flexibility in allowing villages to grow to ensure their future vitality and viability, especially for those villages outside of the Cambridge Green Belt. This is essential in supporting a prosperous rural economy. Paragraph 83 (limb a) of the NPPF states that that planning policies and decisions should enable the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business in rural areas. Furthermore, 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, and in locations that are not well served by public transport. In these circumstances it will be important to ensure that development is sensitive to its surroundings, does not have an unacceptable impact on local roads and exploits any opportunities to make a location more sustainable (for example by improving the scope for access on foot, by cycling or by public transport). The use of previously developed land, and sites that are physically well-related to existing settlements, should be encouraged where suitable opportunities exist. both through conversion of existing buildings and well-designed new buildings.” The new Local Plan should therefore allow established employment locations to grow and allocate suitable land to support their growth.For example, Wyndmere Park in Guilden Morden is an established local employment area supporting a range of local businesses. There is circa 7.2 hectares of additional land available adjacent to the site which is suitable and available to provide additional employment floorspace for existing and new occupiers.

Nothing chosen

Please see section 8.0 of the accompanying representations document.

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40. At present, Cambourne is classified as a Rural Centre in the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. Rural Centres are the largest, most sustainable villages within the district. However, since the adoption of the Local Plan, Cambourne has been reclassified as a town. As such, the settlement hierarchy within the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan must be updated to reflect this significant change. 41. Additionally, Cambourne is the largest and most sustainable settlement in the South Cambridgeshire. The town comprises four linked villages of Great Cambourne, Lower Cambourne, Upper Cambourne and Cambourne West (emerging) which make up the new settlement. These villages provide Cambourne with an exemplar range of jobs and services including new schools, community and leisure facilities and employment opportunities, particularly at Cambourne Business Park. 42. These services, alongside the recent announcement of the preferred route of the East West Railway between Bedford and Cambridge with a new station at Cambourne as well as plans for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) to link Cambourne to Cambridge City Centre, make the settlement the optimum location for additional growth moving forward. 6 43. The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) have confirmed that the Cambourne to Cambridge Public Transport Route is a priority project and will form the first phase of the CAM. The project will deliver a reliable and sustainable public transport service between Cambourne and Cambridge, as well as new cycling and walking facilities into the city. The GCP have recognised that a new reliable, public transport route will create sustainable travel choices, connect communities and support growth. 44. Furthermore, the planned location for the new Cambourne Rail Station to serve the East West Rail service to the south of Cambourne, make this area an opportune location for considering future growth opportunities. There will inevitably be demand for infrastructure in the form of shops, business and homes around the new station and allocating land south of Cambourne as a location for this growth should be considered as part of the Greater Cambridge Plan. 45. Given this, the settlement boundaries for Cambourne should be reconsidered and reassessed to allow for further sustainable development to come forward. Significant flexibility should be given towards the development of housing and jobs at south Cambourne to provide a sustainable location growth.

Nothing chosen

A. Edges of villages provide locations where there are established communities as well as services and other infrastructure which make them an ideal location for development of additional jobs and homes. This is particularly the case for Rural Centres and Minor Rural Centres as identified in the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. B. For example, Gamlingay is identified as a Minor Rural Centre which are villages with a greater level of services, facilities and employment than most other villages in South Cambridgeshire, and often perform a role in terms of providing services and facilities for a small rural hinterland. Providing additional homes in this location would deliver social and economic benefits which weigh heavily on the benefits C. Given this, the settlement boundaries for existing Rural Centres and Minor Rural Centres should be reconsidered and reassessed particularly where edge of village sites are promoted for sustainable development. D. Additionally, the NPPF encourages planning policies to identify a sufficient supply and mix of sites, taking into account their availability, suitability and likely economic viability. As noted previously, edge of village sites tend to be smaller and within single ownership with less constraints than larger strategic allocations. This means they are a reliable and robust source for housing delivering and where such sites are immediately available, significant flexibility should be given to allow sustainable development to be delivered quickly.

Nothing chosen

The Plan should in principle be open to development on the edge of villages, subject to criteria which protect environmental and heritage assets, and if those villages are sustainable, or could be made more so by the development taking place. The proposed development should also be of a appropriate scale in relation to the existing settlement. The Plan should recognise the benefits such developments can bring to villages, and the contribution that planned sites can make to local infrastructure projects, for the benefit of new and existing residents.

Nothing chosen

Question 40. How flexible should the Local Plan be towards development of both jobs and homes on the edge of villages? The acknowledgment of the important role that villages play is strongly welcomed. It is critical that villages are provide with opportunities to grow in a sustainable way to meet the significant growth needs of the plan area and to promote a prosperous rural economy. As stated within the Issues and Options document at paragraph 5.2.5, the currently adopted 2018 South Cambridgeshire Local Plan sets a development framework for each village, outside which development is heavily restricted. In addition, villages within the Local Plan 2018 have been categorised dependant on their ‘sustainability’. Comberton is identified in the current South Cambridgeshire Local Plan as a Minor Rural Centre (Policy S/9). This is the second tier in the settlement hierarchy below Rural Centres (Policy S/8). Minor Rural Centres are described as ‘having a lower level of services, facilities, and employment than Rural Centres, but a greater level than most other villages in South Cambridgeshire, and often perform a role in terms of providing services and facilities for a small rural hinterland’. The current policy (Policy S/9) permits ‘Residential development and redevelopment up to an indicative maximum scheme size of 30 dwellings…within the development frameworks of Minor Rural Centres’. While the Rural Centres are more appropriately unlimited, our clients site would be below the 30 unit threshold, although currently outside the development framework. We encourage the next Local Plan to re-examine the approach currently taken to village growth and explore the re-grouping of village categories and flexibility on the scale of development within and beyond newer more specific village groups. It is clear that all the villages vary significantly in terms of the services provided. However, the scale of growth required, and in particular small sites of 1 Ha or less, means that there will need to be a significant number of small and medium sized sites allocated across all of the settlements in the rural area. Summary of Comments: The new Plan should be highly flexible towards development of jobs/homes on the edge of villages to be able support the significant development needs.

Nothing chosen

The acknowledgment of the important role that villages play is strongly welcomed. It is critical that villages are provide with opportunities to grow in a sustainable way to meet the significant growth needs of the plan area and to promote a prosperous rural economy. Fen Ditton is identified in the current South Cambridgeshire Local Plan as a Group Village (Policy S/10), along with 32 other villages. This is the third tier in the settlement hierarchy below Minor Rural Centres (Policy S/9). Group Villages are described as ‘generally less sustainable locations for new development than Rural Centres and Minor Rural Centres, having fewer services and facilities allowing only some of the basic day-to-day requirements for their residents to be met without the need to travel outside the village’. Fen Ditton is clearly one of the more sustainable villages and has the ability to take a suitable quantum of housing growth as part of the emerging Local Plan given its close proximity to Cambridge City. It is not considered that Fen Ditton’s current position in the existing settlement hierarchy reflects its status as a sustainable location for growth. Residents can easily access a wide variety of services by walking or cycling, despite having to leave the defined settlement boundary, including the Newmarket Road Park and Ride and the community facilities and food store that are proposed as part of the consented development of c.1300 dwellings north of Newmarket Road. The current policy (Policy S/10) permits ‘Residential development and redevelopment up to an indicative maximum scheme size of 8 dwellings…within the development frameworks of Group Villages’. While the Group Villages are limited, our client's Site (land to the east of Ditton Lane, Fen Ditton) could accommodate c.30 dwellings and significant biodiversity and landscaping benefits, although currently it is outside the development framework. This policy approach is considered to be unduly restrictive and the new Local Plan should allow for a greater level of development in sustainable locations, such as Fen Ditton, where sustainable transport opportunities and extensive facilities already exist. Given the potential identified need for 125 units of specialist accommodation by 2023 (within a 5 minute drive-time of Fen Ditton) as shown in the Specialist Accommodation Needs Assessment attached to these submissions, Fen Ditton is considered to be a suitable and sustainable location for the proposed development of c.30 single storey properties for those aged 55 and above as well as those with or supporting someone with a disability on land east of Ditton Lane, Fen Ditton. The “presumption in favour of sustainable development” is at the heart of the National Planning Policy Framework 2019 (NPPF). The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Section 39(2)) establishes a legal requirement for plans to be prepared with the objective of contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. Summary of Comments: The new Plan should be highly flexible towards development of jobs/homes on the edge of villages to be able support the significant development needs.

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2.75 The key test should be whether jobs and homes can be delivered in a sustainable manner. Supporting new employment in villages, particularly those with limited access to public transport / non-car mode can obviously help reduce the need for residents to travel to work by car. Consideration should also be given to enabling easier access to work / remote working, ensuring that adequate digital infrastructure is provided to allow people to work from home or from smaller incubator/start-up space/serviced offices etc.

Nothing chosen

Please see section 8.0 of the accompanying representations document.

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Significant flexibility should be given towards the development of housing and jobs on the edge of villages, particularly for Rural Centres and Minor Rural Centres as identified in the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. Edge of village locations provide new development with access to established communities as well as services and other infrastructure which make them an ideal location for additional jobs and homes. For example, Linton is identified as a Minor Rural Centre which are villages with a greater level of services, facilities and employment than most other villages in South Cambridgeshire, and often perform a role in terms of providing services and facilities for a small rural hinterland. Providing additional homes in this location would deliver social and economic benefits which weigh heavily on presumption in favour of sustainable development, Given this, the settlement boundaries for existing Rural Centres and Minor Rural Centres should be reconsidered and reassessed particularly where edge of village sites are promoted for sustainable development. Additionally, the NPPF encourages planning policies to identify a sufficient supply and mix of sites, taking into account their availability, suitability and likely economic viability. As noted previously, edge of village sites tend to be smaller and within single ownership with less constraints than larger strategic allocations. This means they are a reliable and robust source for housing delivery and where such sites are immediately available, significant flexibility should be given to allow sustainable development to be delivered quickly.

Nothing chosen

43. At present, Cambourne is classified as a Rural Centre in the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. Rural Centres are the largest, most sustainable villages within the district. However, since the adoption of the Local Plan, Cambourne has been reclassified as a town. As such, the settlement hierarchy within the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan must be updated to reflect this significant change. 44. Additionally, Cambourne is the largest and most sustainable settlement in South Cambridgeshire. The Cambourne West development is one of four linked villages alongside Great Cambourne, Lower Cambourne and Upper Cambourne which make up the new settlement. These villages provide Cambourne with an exemplar range of jobs and services including new schools, community and leisure facilities and employment opportunities, particularly at Cambourne Business Park. 45. These services, alongside the recent announcement of the preferred route of the East West Railway between Bedford and Cambridge with a new station at Cambourne as well as plans for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM) to link Cambourne to Cambridge City Centre, make the settlement the optimum location for additional growth moving forward. 46. The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) have confirmed that the Cambourne to Cambridge Public Transport Route is a priority project and will form the first phase of the CAM. The project will deliver a reliable and sustainable public transport service between Cambourne and Cambridge, as well as new cycling and walking facilities into the city. The GCP have recognised that a new reliable, public transport route will create sustainable travel choices, connect communities and support growth. 47. Furthermore, the planned location for the new Cambourne Rail Station to serve the East West Rail service to the south of Cambourne, make this area an opportune location for considering future growth opportunities. There will inevitably be demand for infrastructure in the form of shops, business and homes around the new station and location for this growth should be considered as part of the Greater Cambridge Plan. 48. Given this, the settlement boundaries for Cambourne should be reconsidered and reassessed to allow for further sustainable development to come forward. Significant flexibility should be given towards the development of housing and jobs on the edges of Cambourne to provide a sustainable location growth.

Nothing chosen

7.2.1 The presumption in favour of sustainable development is recognised, however there should be a degree of flexibility in terms of allowing appropriate development outside of the settlement boundaries of villages, in particular, if development meets a particular local business or community need as set out within Para. 84 of the NPPF. Sustainable development in rural areas is also supported under Para. 78 of the NPPF, which requires planning policies to identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services.

Nothing chosen

It is noted that the existing defined settlement boundaries for most villages in South Cambridgeshire have remained largely unchanged since the Local Plan 2004; although sites were allocated within and on the edge of some villages in the Site Specific Allocations DPD in 2010 and for the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018. It is very likely that most of the development opportunities within existing village boundaries would have been taken up by now. It is also likely that heritage assets within some villages, such as conservation areas and listed buildings, will constrain development opportunities. It is not clear whether the Councils have undertaken an assessment of the capacity of villages to accommodate additional development; it is likely that such an assessment would demonstrate that the capacity is limited. On the basis of the above, it is considered that the current site size threshold limits in the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 are largely irrelevant and ineffective e.g. there are few outstanding development opportunities for up to two dwellings within existing framework boundaries in Infill Villages, and Great Chishill is an example where there are few opportunities within the boundary. In addition, developments of up to two dwellings would not be required to provide affordable housing or make any other planning obligations; as set out in Paragraph 63 of the NPPF and Paragraph 023 of Id.23b of the Planning Practice Guidance. In these circumstances, it is very unlikely that any affordable housing would be provided in Great Chishill during the plan period, and the current affordable housing needs would remain unmet. Therefore, it is considered that the emerging GCLP should seek to allocate suitable sites on the edge of existing sustainable villages, in conjunction with a general policy that supports development within existing framework boundaries but without specifying any size limits. This suggested approach would ensure that sufficient land is allocated for development at villages to support services and facilities and ensure that sufficient physical and community infrastructure can be planned, and would provide some flexibility about development within village boundaries so that the form and scale of development reflects site specific characteristics.