Question 51: Generic Question
Response to Question 2 - Additional Information 2.2. ‘Land south of High Street, Hauxton’ was submitted in response to the ‘Call for Sites’ in March 2019 on behalf of Redrow Homes Ltd. This site represents an opportunity for sustainable expansion of Hauxton immediately adjacent to existing housing and Hauxton Primary School. The site is also well related to existing public transport links, including Shelford Railway Station and bus stops connected by bus routes into the city centre. 2.3. The site is promoted with an indicative density range of 30 to 35 dwelling per hectare, as such the site has an indicative capacity of 240 and 280 dwellings. 2.4. Additional technical information has now been prepared is appended to this submission to inform the forthcoming Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and the next stage of local plan consultation. 2.5. A Landscape and Visual Appraisal and Green Belt Review can be found at Appendix 2. Paragraph 2.14 of the LVA report explains that the sites is considered to be of ‘Moderate-Low Landscape value’. It is noted that “the site is of simple composition with few defining elements to distinguish it, it is relatively well enclosed by established off-site vegetation with a relatively intact historic field pattern that presently provides and defines the settlement edge of Hauxton.” Section 7 of the LVA report assesses the contribution the site makes to the five functions of Green Belt as set out at paragraph 134 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Paragraph 7.11 concludes that the site is considered to be of ‘Moderate-Low value’ in terms of the functions and use of the Green Belt. It is acknowledged at paragraph 7.11 that the site does have a Moderate – High openness but that, principally due to its noted sense of enclosure along its eastern and western boundaries, it is not located within a strategically important part of the Green Belt. It makes a limited contribution to the functions of the Green Belt in checking unrestricted sprawl and partial contribution to preventing settlements from merging into each other and safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. Additional consideration has been given to how the site contributes towards the purposes of the Cambridge Green Belt. Paragraph 7.25 notes that overall the site has a ‘negligible role’ in contributing to the perceived setting of Cambridge. Paragraph 8.1 of LVA report lists the key landscape opportunities associated with residential development at the site which include: o “The Site is generally well-contained visually by a combination of existing vegetation, motorway embankment and built development meaning there are relatively few visual receptors likely to be affected by the introduction of development on the Site.” o “The opportunity to present a stronger, defined eastern edge to Hauxton village” o “Proximity to the existing village edge which provides the opportunity to integrate new development with the existing village fabric, with a connection to the existing road network via a new entrance close to the last property of Hauxton to the south of the High Street”. o “A broader opportunity to build upon the wooded and well-treed character of the area and to strengthen local landscape character whilst also addressing the more visually exposed areas of the Site, principally to the south.” 2.6. An indicative ‘Landscape Design Strategy’ accompanies the LVA report which illustrates how the key landscape features can be successfully accommodated as part of residential development at the site. This includes new areas of public open space and enhanced planting throughout the site with a particular focus along the western and southern boundaries of the site. 2.7. Given the proximity of the site to the raised M11 motorway an Air Quality Assessment (Appendix 3) and Acoustic Impact Assessment (Appendix 4) have been produced. Both reports conclude that the baseline acoustic and air quality results would not preclude residential development at the site. 2.8. In addition to the existing site context, it is worth considering the potential of the site in the context of emerging strategic public transport schemes. ‘East-West Rail’ is a proposal by the East West Rail Company for a new railway line linking Bedford and Cambridge. On 30th January 2020 the Government announced the preferred route for the new rail line was consultation ‘Route Option E’1. Hauxton is located within the ‘preferred route option area’ with connectivity to Shelford Rail Station. ‘Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro’ is a vision for an expansive metro-style network proposed by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. On 27th February a public consultation was launched seeking views about the proposal and the indicative route map for the ‘Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro’ network2. ‘Hauxton Park and Ride’ is identified as part of the indicative network route with connections to the new Cambridge South Rail Station. ‘Cambridge South Rail Station’ is a proposal for a new rail station to the south of Cambridge to better integrate southern Cambridge to the rail network to primarily benefit Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth hospitals and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus but this will also benefit local residents. Network Rail launched a public consultation on 20th January 2020 about three site options for the new station. The consultation information identifies the delivery of the new station in 2025. As identified above, ‘Hauxton Park and Ride’ is identified as part of the indicative Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro network route with connections to the new Cambridge South Rail Station. 1https://eastwestrail-production.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/public/Preferred-Route-OptionAnnouncement/Files/f8983a114f/RouteOption_Web_Map_Full-002.pdf 2 https://cam.consultationonline.co.uk/the-proposals/
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Response to Question 3 2.9. An indicative ‘Landscape Design Strategy’ accompanies the LVA report (Appendix 2), this sets out some key landscape principles for residential development at this site including areas of public open space. Development would provide opportunities for the enhancement of existing features and creation of new habitats, provision of green infrastructure, including net biodiversity gain that is envisaged with these proposals. 2.10. Larger scale proposals clearly offer the greater opportunity for strategic green infrastructure than smaller individual sites, where often local requirements for green open space are not triggered, or are not possible due to site constraints.
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Response to Question 2 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Pigeon Land 2 Ltd put forward the site at Land South of St Neots Road at the Call for Sites stage of the Local Plan in March 2019. The submission was accompanied by a Report and Vision Document setting out the concept for development of the site and evidencing its availability and deliverability and the sustainability of the proposals. Further technical work has since been carried out and the further information submitted with this consultation response includes: A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal; A Landscape and Visual Appraisal; A Transportation Appraisal Note; A Flood Risk and Drainage Statement; Utilities Appraisal; and The Vision and Delivery Statement February 2020. The work carried out has led to amendments to the proposed composition of the development with the removal of the proposed elderly persons care home, focusing on a scheme of around 150 new homes including a range of sizes and tenures of dwellings, including policy compliant affordable housing provision.
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Response to Question 2 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 2.1 Land to the south of Station Road, Harston is submitted as a potential allocation for residential development in the Local Plan. The extent of the Site is shown on the site location plan at Appendix 1. 2.2 The Site is in a central village location and within 100m of the High Street (A10). The Site lies to the south of Station Road, Harston and extends to approximately 1.2 hectares. It is currently in agricultural use as a horse paddock. The Site is relatively flat, comprising an open field with trees and hedges along its boundaries, together with post and wire paddock fencing. The frontage with Station Road comprises an evergreen hedge that extends to two metres in height. 2.3 The Site lies immediately adjacent to existing residential development along Station Road to the west and Baggot Hall Farm to the east. It therefore represents a small gap between existing built development. Figure 1: Site Location Plan 2.4 Linden House lies to the south-west of the Site, accessed from Station Road via a single track. Linden House is a former farmhouse now in private residential use and has had several significant extensions and alterations. Baggot Hall Farm extends along the entire eastern boundary of the site and includes a large number of agricultural buildings. Baggot Hall farmhouse is located towards the front of the farm and is Grade II listed. 2.5 To the north of the Site lies recreational land associated with Harston and Newton County Primary school and open countryside lies to the south. 2.6 The site is currently accessed from agricultural land to the south, on land also owned by the College. 2.7 The site is within the Environment Agency defined Flood Zone 1 in terms of flooding from rivers (very low risk of flooding). The majority of the site is also within a ‘very low’ risk of flooding from surface water. Planning Policy Context 2.8 Harston is inset within the Green Belt with its own defined development framework. The Site lies immediately to the south of the current development framework for Harston and within the Cambridge Green Belt. 2.9 Within the Green Belt, the NPPF recognises the construction of new buildings can be considered appropriate where they constitute ‘limited infilling in villages’ or ‘limited affordable housing for local community needs’ (paragraph 145). The adopted 2018 Local Plan also includes for a policy to allow for infilling in the Green Belt. 2.10 Notwithstanding the above, as part of the preparation of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, a review of the Green Belt should also be undertaken to assess whether land currently within the Cambridge Green Belt still serves the five purposes of the Green Belt as set out in paragraph 134 of the NPPF. Where land does not serve these five purposes or the fundamental aim of Green Belt policy, which is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open (NPPF paragraph 133), the Green Belt boundaries should be altered in the next Local Plan accordingly. 2.11 Furthermore, Green Belt land that no longer serves the five purposes and is in locations which facilitate more sustainable patterns of development, for example, land within close proximity to public transport corridors or adjacent to some of the larger villages in the District, should be released to contribute to reducing climate impacts. 2.12 The Station Road frontage of the Site, together with the Station Road frontage of Baggot Hall farm to the east, are currently subject to the ‘Important Countryside Frontage’ Policy of the adopted Local Plan (Policy NH/13). Policy NH/13 confirms that Important Countryside Frontages are defined ‘where land with a strong countryside character either: a) Penetrates or sweeps into the built-up area providing a significant connection between the street scene and the surrounding rural area; or b) Provides an important rural break between two nearby but detached parts of a development framework’. 2.13 Policy NH/13 advises that planning permission for development would be refused if it would compromise the above purposes. 2.14 As part of the preparation of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, a review of Policy NH/13 should be undertaken, in line with a review of the Green Belt, to assess whether land currently subject to the designation still serves the purpose of Important Countryside Frontages. 2.15 Land to the north of the Site (the recreation ground associated with Harston and Newton County Primary school) is currently subject to the ‘Protected Village Amenity Area’ (PVAA) designation under Policy NH/11. This states that development will not be permitted within or adjacent to these areas if it would have an adverse impact on the character, amenity, tranquillity or function of the village. 2.16 The recreation ground associated with Harston and Newton County Primary school is also designated as a ‘Local Green Space’ (LGS) under Policy NH/12. Policy NH/12 advises that LGS will be protected from development that would adversely impact on the character and particular local significance placed on such green areas which make them valued by their local community. 2.17 The emerging concept proposal prepared by Bidwells (Appendix 2) illustrates that Land to the south of Station Road could be developed in such a way as to respect its surrounding context and would not result in any adverse impact on the character, amenity, tranquillity or function of the village or the recreation ground to the north. The Opportunity 2.18 Harston is a Group Village in the settlement hierarchy within the adopted 2018 Local Plan. 2.19 Group Villages are the third most sustainable settlement type within the hierarchy and perform a role in terms of allowing residents to meet some of their day to day requirements without having to leave the village. The adopted Local Plan confirms that limited development would help maintain remaining services and facilities and provide for affordable housing to meet local needs. 2.20 National Planning Policy also advises that to promote sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. It adds that planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services (Paragraph 78). 2.21 A variety of facilities and services are currently available within walking distance of the site including Harston and Newton County Primary school (immediately north of the site), a doctor’s surgery, a post office, village hall, public houses and a convenience store. 2.22 The nearest bus stop to the Site is located approximately 250m north, along the High Street (A10). There is a bus stop on both sides of the A10 serving north bound and southbound services through to Royston to the south, the Trumpington Park and Ride site and Cambridge to the north, as well as national express coach services to Gatwick airport. 2.23 Off-road cycle ways connect the Site to Foxton railway station approximately 2.5km to the south which offers services to Cambridge (and beyond) and London. The proximity of the Site to this transport interchange makes it readily accessible by active modes of travel, particularly cycling. 2.24 Furthermore, the A10 runs through the village, which is a strategic transport corridor within Greater Cambridge, where numerous transport improvements are planned to deliver a highquality public transport corridor, including: ● Improved transport hub at Foxton railway station (3km from the site); ● Proposed improved transport interchange at Trumpington A10/M11 junction (3.2 km from the site); ● Park and ride site at Hauxton; ● Off road cycle links along the A10; ● Walking and cycling links to Melbourn and Bassingbourn Village Colleges. 2.25 In addition to the above, Harston falls within the ‘Preferred route option’ area of the proposed East-West rail alignment which would deliver faster and improved frequency of trains to Cambridge and in turn to London. 2.26 As such, the Site is well located to reduce the need to travel by car and can promote sustainable travel. Further public transport enhancements are also proposed that will improve connectivity to Harston by sustainable and active modes of transport. Responding to the Four Big Themes 2.27 Since the submission of the ‘Call for Sites’ representations in March 2019, a more detailed analysis of the site constraints and opportunities has been undertaken, informed by further technical assessment work. A summary of this assessment work is provided below. These assessments have also specifically sought to respond to the four ‘big themes’ of the emerging Local Plan and in turn help shape the emerging concept proposals for the Site. Climate Change 2.28 The two Councils and the County Council have committed to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. In order to meet this challenge, the Local Plan will need to plan for low-carbon lifestyles and encourage low carbon activities and alternatives to private car use. 2.29 In order to reduce climate change impacts, the Local Plan will need to promote sustainable development in rural areas in locations that allow existing villages to grow and thrive but also enable travel by low-carbon modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. Land to the south of Station Road would achieve both of these measures, being located centrally within a Group Village, being of a sizeable to accommodate a modest and sustainable level of growth for the village and within the A10 strategic growth corridor and its associated active travel and public transport opportunities. 2.30 A Sustainable Transport Appraisal for the Site has been prepared by EAS and accompanies these representations (Appendix 3). This confirms that the site is extremely well located for access to key facilities and services, including transport infrastructure such as Foxton railway station (approximately 2.5km to the south) and the A10 which is served by northbound and southbound services. Furthermore, there are a number of strategic schemes coming forward in association with the A10 Strategic Public Transport Corridor which will improve mobility in the area. Biodiversity and Green Spaces 2.31 Both Councils have declared biodiversity emergencies and, as members of the Natural Cambridgeshire Local Nature Partnership, the Councils support the Partnership’s vision to double the area of rich wildlife habitats and natural greenspaces within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. 2.32 Jesus College recognise the importance of improving the natural environment and are committed to achieving net biodiversity gain in respect to potential redevelopment proposals at Land to the south of Station Road, Harston. 2.33 A site-wide ecological appraisal and background desk study was completed by Applied Ecology Ltd in January 2020 and accompanies these representations (Appendix 4). The key findings from the appraisal are summarised below: ● There are no overriding ecological constraints to development of the Site; ● There are no statutory or non-statutory designated sites within or directly adjacent to the Site; ● The nearest statutory designated sites are Whittlesford-Thriplow Hummocky Fields SSSI and Barrington Chalk Pit SSSI, both of which are circa 2.5km from the Site. It is therefore not considered that statutory designations from an ‘in principle’ constraint to development; ● The nearest non-statutory designated sites to the Site are Harston Orchard County Wildlife Site (CWS), located 390 to the north and the River Rhee County Wildlife Site (CWS) 700m to the west. Both are separated from the Site by suburban infrastructure and roads and as such neither are likely to be adversely impacted by development of the Site; ● The habitats within the Site are of limited intrinsic ecological interest; ● The capacity for future development within the Site to achieve a biodiversity net gain has been provisionally assessed using Natural England/DEFRA’s Biodiversity Metric 2.0 calculator (beta version). 10% net gain can be achieved on site through the through the proposed emerging concept proposal (Appendix 2); ● The Site offers potential opportunities for badgers, bats, water voles and otters. As such further surveys are required, however, there is good scope for providing habitat enhancements as part of any development proposal; and ● An off-Site pond that held standing water at the time of the survey was present 51m to the east of the Site in the grounds of Baggot Hall and had the potential to support great crested newt and as such further surveys are required. No standing water suitable for great crested newt was however present on the Site itself. Wellbeing and Social Inclusion 2.34 National Planning Policy requires that Local Plans should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places. 2.35 As referred to above, the Local Plan will need to promote sustainable development in rural areas in locations that allow existing villages to grow and thrive but also enable travel by low-carbon modes such as walking, cycling and public transport, thus reducing car use to ease congestion and reduce airborne pollutants. The same measure offers opportunities to promote active travel choices (walking, cycling) to enhance health, wellbeing and social inclusion. 2.36 The residential allocation of Land to the south of Station Road would encourage healthy lifestyles by locating new dwellings in a sustainable location with access to local services, such as the Primary School to the north of the Site which currently has capacity to accommodate the number of children a development of this scale is likely to generate. Proximity to local services and amenities such as this would then in turn bring opportunities for social interaction and community development. 2.37 Further wellbeing and social inclusion measures that the site could deliver are outlined below: ● Provision of new public open space and tree planting; ● Opportunities for new build design to provide all-electric heating and hot water systems to avoid the on-site combustion of fossil fuels; and ● Creation of high-quality dwellings and public realm offering natural sociability, interaction and access to nature. Great Places 2.38 A key issue for Land to the south of Station Road will be how to balance heritage and countryside protection with the demands of growth. 2.39 In terms of heritage protection, the Site is not within a Conservation Area but Baggot Hall lies to the east of the Site and is Grade II Listed. In order to protect the significance of Baggot Hall and its setting, the proposed layout seeks to incorporate significant areas of retained open space within the centre of the Site and along its eastern boundary. This will ensure that views of Baggot Hall are retained from Station Road to the north and open countryside to the west. 2.40 As the emerging design proposals progress, a detailed Heritage Appraisal will be required in order to ensure impacts are mitigated as much as possible through the location, form, scale and design of the scheme. However, at this stage it is considered that there would be minor adverse impact caused to the setting of Baggot Hall. This is at the level of “less than substantial” harm. 2.41 Ultimately, a balanced judgement would be required for any development proposals in terms of the impact on the significance of designated heritage assets and the public benefits arising. The Site has the potential to deliver significant public benefits, as outlined below: ● The opportunity to deliver housing to help meet the needs of Harston and the local area; ● Supporting Harston’s economy and community, including local shops and services at a time when villages are seeing a reduction in services and facilities; ● Supporting the village primary school’s viability; ● Housing development in a sustainable travel location: high (and improving) public transport accessibility; cycling accessibility to transport interchanges and Cambridge; ● Development that brings health and wellbeing benefits to its residents and the wider community through: - high quality housing design; - additional public open space which offers mental and physical wellbeing benefits; - opportunity to travel sustainably helping to tackle air pollution as well as bring physical benefits; - walkability to primary school. ● Helping to maximise the benefits arising from major investment in the A10 corridor associated with sustainable transport and active travel; ● A landowner who wishes to work the community in order to shape a proposal which meets the needs of and can provide wider benefits to the village; and ● Preservation of the countryside frontage by retaining the current hedge or replacing with native species (while allowing for access) stepping development back from the road and enabling vistas of the open countryside beyond. 2.42 In terms of countryside protection, the proposed layout responds appropriately to its rural location. The internal road layout is gently curved, in a similar design to that serving Linden House to the south-west of the Site, and the dwellings are loosely arranged within the site, with the larger units proposed to the south designed to respond to the adjoining agricultural buildings at Baggot Hall farm. 2.43 There is an existing two-metre-tall evergreen hedge along the length of the Station Road frontage that prevents visual access to the countryside. This will be retained with the exception of two small sections to be removed in order to accommodate access. A pair of semi-detached dwellings are proposed along the Station Road frontage, to continue the existing residential building line to the west. The remaining units are proposed to be sited off the internal road. The loose grain of development and low density proposed will enable views of the open countryside beyond to be retained from Station Road. The Emerging Concept Proposal 2.44 Informed by the additional assessment work and in response to the four big themes of the consultation document, an emerging concept proposal has been prepared by Bidwells LLP (Appendix 2). 2.45 The emerging proposal is for a residential development of approximately 10 dwellings, with a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached houses. 2.46 In order to protect the significance of the adjoining Baggot Hall and is setting, the proposed layout seeks to incorporate significant areas of retained open space within the centre of the Site and along its eastern boundary. This will ensure that views of Baggot Hall are retained from Station Road to the north and open countryside to the west. The total amount of public open space currently proposed extends to circa 0.31 hectares. The eastern boundary also incorporates a proposed drainage attenuation feature. 2.47 The proposed layout responds appropriately to its rural location by retaining views of the countryside beyond and protecting the existing rural character of the site. The internal road layout is gently curved, in a similar design to that serving Linden House to the south-west of the Site, and the dwellings are loosely arranged within the site, with the larger units proposed to the south designed to respond to the adjoining agricultural buildings at Baggot Hall farm. 2.48 There is an existing two-metre-tall evergreen hedge along the length of the Station Road frontage that prevents visual access to the countryside. This will be retained with the exception of two small sections to be removed in order to accommodate access. A pair of semi-detached dwellings are proposed along the Station Road frontage, to continue the existing residential building line to the west. The remaining units are proposed to be sited off the internal road. The loose grain of development and low density proposed will enable views of the open countryside beyond to be retained from Station Road. 2.49 Existing boundary vegetation will be retained where possible and enhanced in order to provide a defensible boundary to the Green Belt edge. 2.50 The Sustainable Transport Appraisal supporting these representations confirms that a suitable vehicular access can be achieved off Station Road, together with an adequate visibility, in line with the Manual for Streets parameters for a road with a 30mph speed limit, such as Station Road. The existing footway on the south side of Station Road can also be widened to 2m and tactile paving added to the existing informal crossing to Harston and Newton County Primary School.
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Response to Question 2 3.1 The Site was submitted as part of the Call for Sites consultation in 2019 and Wates Developments are continuing to promote the Site for allocation in the Local Plan. 3.2 Wates Residential are submitting two parcels of land at Fowlmere for consideration and site allocation in the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. A Site location plan is included at Appendix 1. The sites include the following: ● The northern parcel is 2.4 hectares and could accommodate approximately 40-50 dwellings. ● The southern parcel is 7.6 hectares and could accommodate approximately 120-150 dwellings. The Opportunity 3.3 The Site lies outside but adjacent to the existing development framework and a residential allocation is sought through the emerging new Local Plan. The Site offers the potential to create a high quality and sustainable extension to Fowlmere though the provision of market and affordable new homes. Wates Residential is seeking to develop approximately 10ha of land. 3.4 Our proposal would seek to retain and enhance existing natural features including trees and hedgerow for the benefit of flora and fauna. The retention of trees and hedgerows provides mature planting with aesthetic value that helps to mitigate the visual impact of future development. 3.5 The site has the ability to provide new public open space and consolidate the character of the proposed development. New houses will have the ability to front onto the new public open space created for the new and existing community. The proposal could come forward in such a way to create views to the countryside, in doing so, helping to maintain the rural character of the village. 3.6 The site offers the opportunity to provide a landscape corridor connecting landscape assets. These landscape corridors provide conduits for local wildlife while also providing safe and attractive routes for pedestrians and cyclists. 3.7 The site can be allocated for new market and affordable homes with a variety of types and materials that blend well with the existing historic character of Fowlmere. A range of housing types allow for villagers with families or those who wish to downsize or get a foot onto the housing ladder as first-time buyers. 3.8 The principles can be summarised as following: ● Provide up to 200 homes (Inc. affordable housing); ● Retain and enhance existing natural features for the benefit of flora and fauna; ● Retention of trees and hedgerows provides mature planting with aesthetic value that helps to mitigate the visual impact of future development; Page 5 ● Establish views through the Site providing connections with the open countryside helping to maintain the rural character of the village; and, ● Provision of green infrastructure to encourage ecological corridors and increase bio-diversity. Responding to the Four Big Themes 3.9 The proposal responds to the four ‘big themes’ of the emerging Local Plan as follows: ● Climate Change – new dwellings will be providing improvements to energy efficiencies and the potential to include renewable energies. The Site is close to Foxton Railway Station providing alternatives to private car use for residents. ● Biodiversity and Green Space – the Site has potential of on-site green infrastructure and retaining and enhancing vegetation will create an ecological and recreational asset to be enjoyed by future and existing residents; ● Wellbeing and Social Inclusion – the proposals would incorporate a mix of housing sizes, types and tenures, to help meet the needs of the District and local community. The proposals would also promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through the provision of on-site recreation; and, ● Great Places – a landscape-led approach would ensure the design and layout of the scheme comes forward creating high quality residential dwellings. Benefits to be delivered by the proposals 3.10 The Site has the potential to deliver sustainable development in accordance with the three dimensions of sustainable development identified at paragraph 7 of the NPPF, whilst also securing a number of benefits to both Fowlmere and the wider Greater Cambridge area, including the following: Economic Benefits ● New jobs will be created through the construction phase of the development, both directly and through supply chains; ● New residents will help to sustain existing shops, services and facilities across a number of small villages due to higher footfall and patronage once the development is occupied; ● Unlike a series of smaller scale developments, a proposal of this size is likely to generate Section 106 contributions towards improving local infrastructure; ● Additional revenue will be generated through the New Homes Bonus. Social Benefits ● The potential to deliver market and affordable new homes to assist Greater Cambridge in meeting their objectively assessed housing needs; ● The potential to deliver a range of dwelling size, type and tenure to meet locally identified housing need and creating a mixed and sustainable community; ● There is potential to create significant accessible open space. The provision of such a large area of open space is unlikely to be feasible on smaller scale or constrained brownfield sites; ● There is potential to deliver play facilities on the Site to meet an identified local need. Again, the provision of play facilities is unlikely to be feasible on smaller scale or constrained brownfield sites. Environmental Benefits ● Despite the rural location, the Site is near Foxton Railway Station providing an alternative to car travel to Cambridge and beyond; ● The Site is not at risk of flooding; ● The majority of the existing tree and hedgerow planting around the periphery of the Site and along the internal field boundary can be retained and incorporated into the proposal; ● Significant additional tree planting can be incorporated throughout the Site. This will also contribute towards biodiversity enhancements; ● The Northern Site includes a series of former buildings and structures, the proposal would potentially improve the appearance of this Site, which is also in a Conservation area; ● The Site offers the potential for significant biodiversity net gain. Deliverability 3.11 This Site is considered “deliverable” as defined by the NPPF (Glossary). Specifically, the Site is available now, offers a suitable location for development now, and is achievable with a realistic prospect that housing will be delivered on the Site within five years of adoption of the plan. 3.12 The Site is located in a sustainable location, Fowlmere is a village with a primary school and has a range of services and facilities appropriate for its size and character. It is in close proximity with other small settlements which, together, offer a range of services and facilities that a thriving rural community requires.
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Response to SA 8.1 In reviewing the documentation prepared by the Council, we recognise that this is an early stage in the plan’s preparation and that an SA is an iterative process. At the outset, we would note that recent challenges at examination of local plans have included substantive criticisms of the SA which goes well beyond the legal tests and into professional planning judgement. For example, examiners in the North Uttlesford Local Plan, North Essex Local Plan and St Albans Local Plan have recently requested information on alternatives that goes beyond the legal position of “reasonable alternatives” selected by the local authority using broad questions of judgement. 8.2 The Issues and Options Report is assessed in a SA report dated November 2019. The Issues and Options Report is largely of general content without spatial or specific focus, and consequently much of the assessment is general commentary. 8.3 Six spatially discernible options are provided in the "Towards a Spatial Plan" Section, which are: ● Option 1: Densification; ● Option 2: Edge of Cambridge – Outside the Green Belt; ● Option 3: Edge of Cambridge – Green Belt; ● Option 4: Dispersal – new settlements; ● Option 5: Dispersal – villages; ● Option 6: Public transport corridors. 8.4 With only high-level options assessed at this stage, there is substantial uncertainty over the outcomes of these options. As such, the conclusions of the SA also are substantially uncertain, and more assessment is required with specific details provided on the deliverable projects which will make up these options. 8.5 There is a possibility that a preferred option will be advanced with an equally valid alternative discarded at this early stage due to lack of information. Additional assessment should take place at another local plan stage, with full assessments within the SA Framework, before any options are fully dismissed. Without a full consideration of all these options which considers substantive detail of deliverable sites, there is a risk of the plan's selected alternative not being properly justified, and the plan being found unsound at examination. 8.6 The options assessed in the issues and options report will likely only be achievable in combination with other options (e.g. some density within existing development, with some expansion to villages, etc). For transparency, the extent to which these options are likely to be combined in ultimate implementation should be made explicit in any future local plan documents which discuss these strategic options. 8.7 The significant negative or positive effects given within the SA report are at this stage based on the limited information available, misleading due to assumptions used and uncertainty attendant with such high level options. The SA Report notes a large number of points of uncertainty, but still identifies a number of significant effects (both positive and negative). However, there are assumptions for the significant effects identified which aren't clearly explained and which can be questioned. For example, Option 5 (Dispersal – villages) is attributed a significant negative effect to SA Objective 6 (distinctiveness of landscapes) as it is assumed that expansion of these Page 18 villages could have an adverse effect on the open countryside and landscape surrounding these villages, as well as village character. As recognised in paragraph 3.61 the actual effect will depend on the final design, scale and layout of the proposed development. 8.8 We recognise that SA is an iterative process which will evolve as a Local Plan progresses. More information should be provided on the approach to considering alternatives. The most substantive point we raise is that the options set out in the Issues and Options Report should all be taken forward to subsequent local plan stages, where deliverable options should be assessed in detail, and transparent and objective assessment of these options provided at a subsequent SA stage. This will help ensure the Local Plan process and SA would support a hybrid of development scenarios which would underpin all development proposals at this stage.
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Response to Question 2 4.3 We have already submitted two sites for consideration and stated there is flexibility within our clients ownership regarding the land identified within the red line and other land highlighted in blue.
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Response to Question 3 4.4 No comment.
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Response to Question 2 4.3 We have already submitted two sites for consideration and stated there is flexibility within our clients ownership regarding the land identified within the red line and other land highlighted in blue.
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Response to Question 3 4.4 No comment.
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Land to the east of the A1301, south of the A505 near Hinxton and west of the A1301, north of the A505 near Whittlesford, CB10 1RG Easting 549921 Northing 246128 (Land at Hinxton) was submitted to the call for sites in March 2019. The status of this site remains the same, with it being available, deliverable and viable. The site would be an opportunity to bring nationally significant benefits to the economy and create a significant amount of jobs in the Greater Cambridge area. Please refer to the March 2019 call for sites submission. More detailed information regarding the site and the need and justification for the AgriTech Park proposal is set out within the outline planning application (SCDC reference: S/4099/17/OL). Determination of the appeal relating to the application is awaited from the Secretary of State. Notwithstanding that appeal, there is a a need to make provision for agritech, and land at Hinxton should be allocated to meet that need.
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Response to Question 2 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The application site occupies an area of land to the south east of the A10 Royston Road and to the west of Station Road, covering approximately 1.28 hectares. The site was formerly used as amenity land associated with Villiers Park Educational Trust, comprising grassland with trees and hedges on the boundary. The site is currently not in use. The site in Foxton was promoted through call for sites process in March 2019 on behalf of Laragh House Developments Ltd. The representations to the Issues & Options consultation document will refer to that promoted site where relevant. The Site is well related to the existing built form of Foxton and closely located to a number of existing local services and facilities. The site has access to local employment opportunities and has excellent public transport links, being so close to Foxton train station. The existing level of services and facilities in the village make the village a sustainable location for a larger population, where job opportunities and facilities are close by.
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General Comments DLA Town Planning represents Terra Strategic, a strategic land promoter with land interests across the country. Terra is working with the owner of land at Long Lane, Fowlmere to promote residential development as part of the emerging Local Plan. I understand this site was not submitted in response to the Call for Sites process last year so I have completed the relevant pro forma, which is attached to this letter. The Issues and Options consultation on the Greater Cambridge Local Plan is focused around a number of key themes and I have included below some commentary for the Long Lane site in respect of each of the relevant themes. Climate change Climate change is rightly a priority for the forthcoming Local Plan and new development will need to play its part in mitigating and adapting to climate change. In respect of this site, Terra Strategic is prepared to commit to a high level of energy efficiency in the new development. Hayfield Homes are part of the Terra Group and would be the housebuilder developing out the site. Hayfield Homes have been building above and beyond the newly introduced building regulations looking at energy efficiency and this core value has been at the centre of all new Hayfield developments and a key implantation on sites through the use of air-source heat pumps, photo-voltaic panels, triple glazed windows. These and other features have helped Hayfield realise and limit the long-term impact of development. The emphasis on maximising the use of low-carbon transport is recognised, although should not necessarily prevent development in villages. With the growth in electric vehicles, development in smaller settlements can still play a role in mitigating climate change. There is an existing bus service through Fowlmere to Cambridge and developer contributions from the Long Lane site could be used to enhance this service, to the benefit of all local residents. The Long Lane site has a good deal of tree coverage around the boundaries of the site and Terra’s development proposal will look to supplement this boundary planting. In addition, more substantial tree planting could be undertaken on suitable parts of the site, particularly the land to the rear of the site. Creating space for growing food is also mentioned in the Issues and Options consultation. If there is a need for more allotment land for either new or existing residents, there would be space available for such a use on the Long Lane site. The area of land to the rear of the site is within flood zone 3. This part of the site will not be developed and would be retained as open space. Biodiversity and green spaces The Long Lane site is a field in agricultural use. It is not subject to any specific wildlife designations and there appears to be no features of notable ecological interest within the site. Further survey work will be undertaken in due course to explore this issue in more detail. As mentioned above, additional tree planting would be undertaken around the boundaries of the site. Open space would be provided to the rear of the site, together with new habitat creation to ensure an overall net gain in biodiversity. Wellbeing and social inclusion The emphasis within the consultation material on community involvement in development proposals is welcome. Terra and Hayfield Homes welcome the prospect of early consultation with the local community as part of the pre-application process. In terms of social inclusion, the development would promote a wide range of sizes and tenures of new homes. We would welcome a discussion with you about the particular housing mix that the Council would want to see on this site. Great places The commitment to design quality in the consultation material is welcomed. Hayfield Homes have won multiple awards in the last few years and design quality is an important element of their product. The Long Lane site is largely unconstrained, although the presence of a Listed Building opposite the site will be an important design consideration, with the need to create an appropriate setting. Infrastructure The provision of appropriate infrastructure is an important consideration to Hayfield Homes as it is a key issue for potential purchasers. Appropriate developer contributions will be made through the normal channels but we will also be exploring if there are particular infrastructure issues in the village that development could help address. Development options You will be aware that Fowlmere is designated as a Group Village in the adopted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. As such, while unlikely to be a focus for strategic scale growth, modest growth is appropriate and would help support and sustain important local services. The Long Lane site measures around 6.68 hectares. However, land to the rear of the site falls within Flood Zone 2 and 3 and is not proposed for development. The developable part of the site measures around 5ha and as such would be suitable for a development of around 150 dwellings. However, the layout of the site would also lend itself to a development of only part of the site. The two properties near the centre of the site (Linden House and Uplands) delineate the site into two parts and if there were concerns over the scale of the whole site, only the eastern part could be developed, with a capacity of around 75 dwellings.
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I note your discussion of the pros and cons of building on green belt land, and welcome the idea of ' identifying opportunities for large scale new green space’. I also note your comment that the 'rural area is dominated by agricultural land, which is often not biodiverse’. I have for the last eight years carried out a detailed ecological survey of the fields around Nine Wells, just south of the biomedical campus, and while these fields are indeed dominated by agricultural land, the area has important biodiversity. It is always far easier to safeguard existing biodiversity than to create new habitats, so it will be important to retain this area of arable land in the forthcoming plan. I enclose my report of last year’s survey. Please let me know when future consultations start.
Response to Question 2 A number of sites were promoted in a variety of locations to the call for sites process in March 2019 on behalf of Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF). The representations to the Issues & Options consultation document will refer to those promoted sites where relevant.
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General Comment The current local plan describes the need to protect and enhance the landscape setting of the city, which comprises the Cambridge Green Belt, the green corridors penetrating the urban area, the established network of multi-functional green spaces, and tree canopy cover in the city. We expect that this objective will be carried through into the new plan. We would also emphasise the need to preserve and enhance protected open space and conservation areas as a major contribution to improving the green space network and protecting heritage. We recognise the urgent need to encourage a shift towards much more sustainable modes of transport including greater use of public transport as well as cycling and walking. We believe that the only sensible way of achieving this is by the provision of dedicated facilities for these modes of transport separated from the existing road infrastructure. Particularly in the case of public transport and cycling, this approach guarantees the reliability necessary to encourage the necessary shift away from intensive car usage.
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Response to Question 3 This question appears to be asking for new sites to be designated for green space and wildlife habitats. There are existing spaces which are already designated as protected. We expect that the continuing designation of existing designated Protected Open Spaces should be carried forward into any new Plan without the need for fresh justification.
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4.3 The four big themes are all considered to be important aspects to achieving positive development. All four themes should be used to inform the spatial strategy within the Local Plan in terms of distributing growth and determining planning applications to deliver growth. It is therefore not considered necessary to rank the options in order of preference. 4.4 The proposed development of the Travis Perkins site could address the big themes in the following ways: ● Climate Change – First Base recognise the climate emergency and wish to deliver a development that embraces the new agenda to work towards net zero carbon. The proposed residential and commercial development will be designed to a high quality and incorporate low carbon technologies and energy efficiency measures. The site is also in a sustainable location with access to excellent public transport connections including the new Chisholm Trail link, thereby reducing residents’ reliance on private cars for travel. ● Biodiversity and Green Space – through the provision of on-site green infrastructure to create recreational and ecological assets to be enjoyed by future and existing residents. ● Wellbeing and Social Inclusion – the proposals would incorporate Build to Rent dwellings meeting an identified need for rented accommodation in the city and incorporate a mix of apartment sizes. The proposals would also promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through the provision of on-site recreation and the site’s accessibility to employment, education, shops and public transport by active modes of travel. ● Great Places – there is an opportunity to maximise the site’s potential to deliver densification in a well connected area, providing open space on site and opportunities for increased recreation.
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1 Introduction 1.1 These representations have been prepared by Deloitte on behalf of Grosvenor Britain & Ireland (Grosvenor) and Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). They have been prepared in response to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan “The First Conversation” Issues and Options Document 2020 consultation. These representations are made pursuant to our Call for Sites submission in March 2019. 1.2 These representations focus on those elements of the Local Plan and associated evidence base which relate primarily to housing and are written in the context of Grosvenor and USS’s land holding at Trumpington South, as indicated in the supporting Vision Document. The site has the potential to deliver up to 750 new dwellings, primary education, health and wellbeing, community space, work hubs and a mobility hub. The emphasis would be on zero-carbon living to help deliver sustainable growth in southern Cambridge. 1.3 Deloittes’ representations below are structured to address the individual questions as set out in the Local Plan Review Issues and Options consultation document. Separate submissions have also been made in respect of the questions on the Opus Consult 2 system. Policy Context and Framework 1.4 Grosvenor and USS welcome the publication of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan “The First Conversation” Issues and Options Consultation. The Plan will shape how the area changes to 2040 and potentially beyond. 1.5 The Issues and Options consultation is the first stage towards preparing a new joint Local Plan for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, together to be referred to as the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. It provides an important opportunity to undertake an early review as requested by the Inspectors in reviewing the previous plans. The new Plan allows for an update to the assessment of housing needs as well as reviewing the progress made on the delivery of strategic sites across Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire (the Councils) areas. 1.6 Section 3 of the NPPF (2019) provides advice on plan making and advises that Plans should provide a ‘positive vision of the future’. It advises that plans should be updated if their “applicable local housing need figure has changed significantly” and must meet the areas objectively assessed need (OAN), be evidenced and deliverable if to be found sound. Land at Trumpington South 1.7 The site is owned by Grosvenor and USS, with a track record in successful delivery of housing development. It is free from environmental and physical constraints and as it benefits from a single ownership, Trumpington South could begin delivering immediately following Local Plan adoption. It is exceptionally well connected and its connectivity will be enhanced with the planned extension of busway through the site to the Cambridge South West Travel Hub and new railway station at Cambridge South. 1.8 The site offers the opportunity to provide a sustainable solution to address Cambridge’s economic needs. In particular, it can meet the specific needs of southern Cambridge, providing housing in close proximity and within sustainable travel distances of major employers. As a result, the site merits serious consideration in the Councils review of future Local Plan allocations. 1.9 Whilst this submission is promoting Trumpington South as a standalone proposal, we are conscious of wider growth opportunities that are possible in south Cambridge, in particular the Cambridge South proposals. We confirm that Grosvenor and USS would be willing to work collaboratively with the Councils and other landowners to develop a wider vision for growth in southern Cambridge. There are a number of key benefits arising from the comprehensive growth of this area, which include mobility benefits with less impact on the transport network, of having more homes near jobs and a wider array of supporting facilities. 1.10 These representations are accompanied by a set of documents including: • Vision Document for Trumpington South - Delivering Sustainable Growth in Southern Cambridge prepared by Terence O’Rourke; • Green Belt and Landscape Appraisal prepared by Terence O’Rourke; • Sustainability Workshop Summary Report prepared by Buro Happold; • Mobility Strategy prepared by Vectos; • Air Quality Desk Study prepared by Buro Happold; and • Noise Assessment Feasibility Study prepared by Buro Happold. 2 Background 2.1 In order to continue to be successful and attract talent and manage growth, significant decisions on the future of the area need to be made. The new Plan period coincides with an exciting time that will see major new infrastructure proposals realised, providing significant transport capacity to support the delivery of development. These opportunities must be considered alongside ways to address the four big themes that the new Plan is exploring which include; responding to climate change, increasing biodiversity and green spaces, promoting well-being and equality and delivering quality places. Climate change agenda 2.2 The Local Plan will play a key part in helping the Councils to achieve the challenging commitment of net zero carbon (as defined by the UK Green Building Council) by 2050. In February 2019, Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils declared a climate emergency. In May 2019, the Greater Cambridge Councils also declared a biodiversity emergency, pledging to develop plans to secure biodiversity net gain. Building Regulations Part L 2020 will also soon be released and The Future Homes Standard comes into force in 2025. As a result, the average home will be expected to have 75-80% fewer emissions than Part L 2013, which would be ‘near Passivhaus’ performance. 2.3 To address these commitments, the approach to planning of the area will need to focus on where development is located and its relationship to employment and travel choices, the construction methods used and energy generation and storage, amongst other things. Housing and employment need 2.4 The Greater Cambridge Planning Team is committed to an early review of its Plans to respond to its housing need in the context of significant economic growth. The group committed to a goal of doubling the total economic output of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area over 25 years. This has implications for future jobs and homes growth in the area which need to be addressed in the Plan. The Cambridge & Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) research demonstrated that recent jobs growth in the Greater Cambridge economy has been faster than anticipated, and that this growth is likely to continue. Demand for new housing in this area remains exceptionally high but development has not kept up. 2.5 The adopted Local Plans identified land to meet the target of 33,500 homes between 2011 and 2031 (1,675dpa). The current forecasts estimate that 36,400 homes can be built between 2017 and 2040 on sites that already have permission or are allocated in the adopted Local Plans. A further 9,660 homes on these sites may be built after 2040 or earlier. However, using the Government’s ‘standard method’ requires a minimum need for 1,779 dpa. This equates to 40,917 homes for the 23-year period of 2017-2040 for Greater Cambridge or an additional 104 dpa. If the CPIER forecast is employment led, this jumps to 2,900 dpa or a need for a total of 66,700 homes. 2.6 It is important, therefore, that a decision on the employment growth to be planned for is taken sooner rather than later so that the spatial strategy which will inform the Plan can identify the necessary sites for additional homes to support major employment hubs. Whilst there are areas of significant growth planned in Cambridge, many of these sites are large and complex and somewhat disconnected to major areas of employment. It is important that sites of differing scales are allocated in order to provide a pipeline of homes over the plan period and so it does not impact further on affordability of homes in the area. Implications for the spatial strategy 2.7 Linked to the points above, previous plans for the Greater Cambridge area prioritised development firstly within Cambridge, then on the edge of Cambridge, at new settlements close to Cambridge, and at better served villages. Sites in the adopted 2018 Local Plans focused on new settlements, in particular, which will be built out over a much longer period. In order to address sustainable growth, a blended spatial strategy is required with a significant focus on the early delivery of smaller sites on the edge of Cambridge. 2.8 The Green Belt restricts growth on the edge of Cambridge, increasing in-commuting and travel distances, and creating unsustainable patterns of movement. Development locations, such as Trumpington South, on the edge of Cambridge, have attractive sustainability advantages. The site benefits from excellent access to major employment hubs in southern Cambridge (including the Biomedical Campus and the southern cluster of science parks) and nearby community services and facilities. These connections are set to improve with planned infrastructure improvements, including the South West Travel Hub and extension to the guided busway. Trumpington South will encourage active and shared travel choices and support a modal shift away from the private car, to help mitigate climate impacts.
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Response to Question 2 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 2.1 VJF is submitting three parcels of land at Papworth for consideration as site allocations in the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. A site location plan is included at Appendix 1. The sites include the following: ● Site A – located on the western side of the village, the site comprises mostly agricultural fields, with some areas of woodland that would be retained and enhanced. A narrow brook that runs from the north to the south of the site for which a wildlife corridor is proposed. The site is proposed for a landscape-led residential development of between 301-452 homes. ● Site B – located on the north-western side of the village, the site comprises an area of scrub and grassland with some broad-leaved plantation woodland. The site is proposed as potential land for a primary school expansion or for community use. ● Site C – located to the east of Papworth Business Park, the site comprises an agricultural field and a car park. The site is proposed for an extension to the already established and successful business park. The Opportunity 2.2 As a registered charity, VJF has a deep and intertwined legacy with the history of Papworth Everard (Papworth). A unique and large custodian in the village, VJF is able to approach development collaboratively and holistically, with the capacity to provide facilities and beneficial development for the community in targeted locations throughout the village. An ownership map is included at Appendix 2 which indicates the extent of VJF’s land ownership within and around Papworth. 2.3 Papworth is classified as a Minor Rural Centre in the settlement hierarchy within the adopted Local Plan, the second most sustainable location for development. A Village Assessment accompanies these representations and includes a detailed assessment of the village infrastructure that is currently available and makes a number of recommendations in terms of how the proposed expansion of Papworth can bring tangible benefits to the community by improving existing facilities and services and providing new infrastructure. The focus of the proposal is to bring public benefits to the village through the delivery of new development. 2.4 Papworth is a sustainable location in terms of both existing and proposed transport links. Significant investment is planned around Papworth to help link the village to key transport routes, which will enable the proposed expansion of the village. Transport connections to Papworth are set out in more detail within the accompanying Transport Appraisals prepared by EAS. There are a number of strategic schemes coming forward which will improve mobility in the area: ● The completion of the A14 re-alignment and improvement works, for which the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon is now set to open earlier than expected in spring 2020; ● The East-West rail preferred route has been announced which will link with Cambourne which is just 4km south of Papworth; ● A428 Highways England improvement proposals which includes new footpath and cycleway connections at the Caxton Gibbet junction and the re-alignment of the junction to reduce congestion in the area and improve journey times along this key transport route; ● The Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Cambourne to Cambridge Transport project which will improve transport connections. As part of these proposals, the proposed Scotland Farm Park and Ride is currently the preferred option which is currently out for consultation. Scheme completion is currently forecasted in 2024; and ● The Cambridge Autonomous Metro which has recently been given approval for a consultation for the main routes that would connect Cambridge with St Neots, Alconbury, Mildenhall and Haverhill. The route to St Neots is proposed to stop at Cambourne which would link with other proposed cycleway and footway improvements and enable residents to have even more choice for sustainable transport modes. 2.5 The above identified transport projects all demonstrate the excellent transport connections that contribute towards Papworth being a sustainable location to enable residents and employees to travel into and out of the village. 2.6 The proposed amount of development has the real potential to be able to make a number of positive changes to matters such as transport, shops, play space, youth provision and social facilities. The sites are within single ownership and capable of delivering a well-designed, high quality development that could make efficient use land that is enclosed by the A1198 bypass, whilst also being able to respect the significance of the heritage assets. The Economic Context 2.7 National Planning Policy confirms that planning policies should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt (NPPF, paragraph 80). The NPPF specifically 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” (emphasis added). The approach taken should allow each area to build on its strengths, counter any weaknesses and address the challenges of the future. 2.8 The NPPF continues, at paragraph 81, in advising the planning policies should: “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; c) seek to address potential barriers to investment, such as inadequate infrastructure, services or housing, or a poor environment; and d) be flexible enough to accommodate needs not anticipated in the plan, allow for new and flexible working practices (such as live-work accommodation), and to enable a rapid response to changes in economic circumstances.” Page 5 2.9 Paragraph 82 adds that: “Planning policies and decisions should recognise and address the specific locational requirements of different sectors. This includes making provision for clusters or networks of knowledge and data-driven, creative or high technology industries; …at a variety of scales and in suitably accessible locations” 2.10 The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) (2018) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Industrial Strategy (2019) provide such a vision and have each outlined ambitious plans for growth over the next 20 years. 2.11 Furthermore, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) has a target of doubling the regional economic growth (GVA) over the next 25 years within its Devolution Deal. This requires the area going beyond what it has achieved in the past (to double an economy over twenty-five years requires an average annual growth rate of 2.81%. Historically, since 1998, the local economy has only grown at around 2.5%.). Achieving this requires employment growth and more importantly productivity growth, as we are already at comparatively high levels of employment 2.12 In order to deliver this ‘step change’ in economic performance, the Consultation document states that around 2,900 homes a year would need to be built in Greater Cambridge if the jobs growth is achieved – an indicative total of 66,700 homes over 2017 – 2040. To make good use of public money and to support the economy, the location of new development should be informed by where major infrastructure is/will take place. Emerging Concept Proposals 2.13 VJF is submitting three parcels of land within their ownership which are suitable as site allocations within the emerging Local Plan. The sites are well-related to the existing village of Papworth Everard and do not feature any constraints that would prevent the principle of development from being accommodated. The supporting Vision Document sets out in more detail the potential concept proposals for the sites. The proposals for the sites have been assessed within the context of the four ‘big themes’ of the consultation document. For reference a summary is included below: Site A: West Papworth Village Extension 2.14 Site A is considered suitable for a landscape-led residential development of between 302-452 dwellings, based on a detailed assessment of the context of the site. There is a range of homes at this stage as it requires stakeholder engagement and statutory consultees involvement to shape the proposal and what scale of benefits are preferred. The site is located along the western side of the village and is enclosed by the A1198 bypass which acts as a defensible boundary and forms an area of enclosed parcel of land that can now have a planned and designed purpose put to it. Access to the western site can be achieved either via an access point already demarcated at the bypass roundabout between the A1198 and the B1040, or from Ermine Street South, as shown in the enclosed Transport Appraisal prepared by EAS. 2.15 The site would include affordable housing, landscaping, and a variety of open space. Cycle and pedestrian links would be retained and improved as part of the proposed development. Site B: Primary School Expansion 2.16 The north western parcel is proposed as land with potential for a primary school expansion or for community use. Site C: Papworth Business Park Expansion 2.17 Site C is located to the east of the village and is proposed for an extension to the already established and successful Papworth Business Park, which is adjacent to the site. The ability to provide for more employment space in the village is important both to remove some of the commuter pressure arising from the village and to ensure there is a balance between homes and jobs, so people have a choice of working in the village in which they live. 2.18 At this stage, the eastern parcel is put forward for employment uses as an extension to the existing Policy E/5 which is delivering Papworth Business Park. It may be appropriate for it to be safeguarded as employment land, subject to how the village changes in the near future and whether extra employment space is needed in the short, medium or long term. This will be better known over the course of the Local Plan preparation. 2.19 The enclosed masterplan shows an indicative developable area of 4.28ha within Site C with the provision of open space and landscaping. Benefits 2.20 A Village Assessment is enclosed which comprises an assessment of the village to enable an early understanding of its housing, services and facilities so that new development can be shaped accordingly to target how and where it will have the greatest positive impact to the community. The intention behind the assessment is to help inform discussions to ensure that the right improvements are delivered in the right way to underpin the commitment of VJF to deliver development in a planned and coordinated way to generate benefits for all. The Assessment finds that there are a number of benefits that could be provided to the village by the proposed allocation and delivery of the sites: ● A Unique Opportunity VJF, along with the associated Papworth Trust, own a significant proportion of Papworth Everard; its housing stock, open spaces and community buildings. VJF has a significant interest in the health and wellbeing of the village and for its development proposals to enhance the quality of life for all its residents and visitors. Development at Papworth Everard offers a unique opportunity to provide development in a coordinated way and to be able to spread the benefits of development as wide as possible and not just within the boundaries of the development. Development promoted by charities that have a vested interested in the village and will remain as the long-term custodian of much of the village. The long-term success of the allocation and delivering associated benefits is at the heart of the promotion. ● Community Infrastructure An additional nursery, either as a standalone facility or co-located with a one-form entry primary school, and contributions towards the expansion of the existing pre-school. Contributions towards the expansion of Pendragon Primary School to three-form entry with increased play and sport space, or space for a single-form entry primary school elsewhere in the village. Children’s play space. Contributions towards the expansion of the existing GP surgery. Future development could include further allotment space, or a community orchard. ● Transport Connections Contributions towards the existing outdoor sports provision in the village and look at opportunities to increase participation, particularly amongst the older population. A dedicated cycle way to Cambourne can be supported which could link with the Highways England proposals to provide a cycleway and footway at the Caxton Gibbet junction to enable connections with Cambourne. Enhanced walking and cycling routes throughout the village. ● Meeting Housing Needs The affordable housing element of the proposals can focus on tenures that would assist local residents to enter the housing market, such as discount market sales and shared ownership models, linked to the affordability identified by this assessment. A mix of dwelling types and sizes that relate to the needs and affordability of the Papworth Everard community. The proposals can include for provision of dedicated older persons development.
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1 Introduction 1.1 These representations have been prepared by Deloitte on behalf of Grosvenor Britain & Ireland (Grosvenor) and Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). They have been prepared in response to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan “The First Conversation” Issues and Options Document 2020 consultation. These representations are made pursuant to our Call for Sites submission in March 2019. 1.2 These representations focus on those elements of the Local Plan and associated evidence base which relate primarily to housing and are written in the context of Grosvenor and USS’s land holding at Trumpington South, as indicated in the supporting Vision Document. The site has the potential to deliver up to 750 new dwellings, primary education, health and wellbeing, community space, work hubs and a mobility hub. The emphasis would be on zero-carbon living to help deliver sustainable growth in southern Cambridge. 1.3 Deloittes’ representations below are structured to address the individual questions as set out in the Local Plan Review Issues and Options consultation document. Separate submissions have also been made in respect of the questions on the Opus Consult 2 system. Policy Context and Framework 1.4 Grosvenor and USS welcome the publication of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan “The First Conversation” Issues and Options Consultation. The Plan will shape how the area changes to 2040 and potentially beyond. 1.5 The Issues and Options consultation is the first stage towards preparing a new joint Local Plan for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, together to be referred to as the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. It provides an important opportunity to undertake an early review as requested by the Inspectors in reviewing the previous plans. The new Plan allows for an update to the assessment of housing needs as well as reviewing the progress made on the delivery of strategic sites across Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire (the Councils) areas. 1.6 Section 3 of the NPPF (2019) provides advice on plan making and advises that Plans should provide a ‘positive vision of the future’. It advises that plans should be updated if their “applicable local housing need figure has changed significantly” and must meet the areas objectively assessed need (OAN), be evidenced and deliverable if to be found sound. Land at Trumpington South 1.7 The site is owned by Grosvenor and USS, with a track record in successful delivery of housing development. It is free from environmental and physical constraints and as it benefits from a single ownership, Trumpington South could begin delivering immediately following Local Plan adoption. It is exceptionally well connected and its connectivity will be enhanced with the planned extension of busway through the site to the Cambridge South West Travel Hub and new railway station at Cambridge South. 1.8 The site offers the opportunity to provide a sustainable solution to address Cambridge’s economic needs. In particular, it can meet the specific needs of southern Cambridge, providing housing in close proximity and within sustainable travel distances of major employers. As a result, the site merits serious consideration in the Councils review of future Local Plan allocations. 1.9 Whilst this submission is promoting Trumpington South as a standalone proposal, we are conscious of wider growth opportunities that are possible in south Cambridge, in particular the Cambridge South proposals. We confirm that Grosvenor and USS would be willing to work collaboratively with the Councils and other landowners to develop a wider vision for growth in southern Cambridge. There are a number of key benefits arising from the comprehensive growth of this area, which include mobility benefits with less impact on the transport network, of having more homes near jobs and a wider array of supporting facilities. 1.10 These representations are accompanied by a set of documents including: • Vision Document for Trumpington South - Delivering Sustainable Growth in Southern Cambridge prepared by Terence O’Rourke; • Green Belt and Landscape Appraisal prepared by Terence O’Rourke; • Sustainability Workshop Summary Report prepared by Buro Happold; • Mobility Strategy prepared by Vectos; • Air Quality Desk Study prepared by Buro Happold; and • Noise Assessment Feasibility Study prepared by Buro Happold. 2 Background 2.1 In order to continue to be successful and attract talent and manage growth, significant decisions on the future of the area need to be made. The new Plan period coincides with an exciting time that will see major new infrastructure proposals realised, providing significant transport capacity to support the delivery of development. These opportunities must be considered alongside ways to address the four big themes that the new Plan is exploring which include; responding to climate change, increasing biodiversity and green spaces, promoting well-being and equality and delivering quality places. Climate change agenda 2.2 The Local Plan will play a key part in helping the Councils to achieve the challenging commitment of net zero carbon (as defined by the UK Green Building Council) by 2050. In February 2019, Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils declared a climate emergency. In May 2019, the Greater Cambridge Councils also declared a biodiversity emergency, pledging to develop plans to secure biodiversity net gain. Building Regulations Part L 2020 will also soon be released and The Future Homes Standard comes into force in 2025. As a result, the average home will be expected to have 75-80% fewer emissions than Part L 2013, which would be ‘near Passivhaus’ performance. 2.3 To address these commitments, the approach to planning of the area will need to focus on where development is located and its relationship to employment and travel choices, the construction methods used and energy generation and storage, amongst other things. Housing and employment need 2.4 The Greater Cambridge Planning Team is committed to an early review of its Plans to respond to its housing need in the context of significant economic growth. The group committed to a goal of doubling the total economic output of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area over 25 years. This has implications for future jobs and homes growth in the area which need to be addressed in the Plan. The Cambridge & Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) research demonstrated that recent jobs growth in the Greater Cambridge economy has been faster than anticipated, and that this growth is likely to continue. Demand for new housing in this area remains exceptionally high but development has not kept up. 2.5 The adopted Local Plans identified land to meet the target of 33,500 homes between 2011 and 2031 (1,675dpa). The current forecasts estimate that 36,400 homes can be built between 2017 and 2040 on sites that already have permission or are allocated in the adopted Local Plans. A further 9,660 homes on these sites may be built after 2040 or earlier. However, using the Government’s ‘standard method’ requires a minimum need for 1,779 dpa. This equates to 40,917 homes for the 23-year period of 2017-2040 for Greater Cambridge or an additional 104 dpa. If the CPIER forecast is employment led, this jumps to 2,900 dpa or a need for a total of 66,700 homes. 2.6 It is important, therefore, that a decision on the employment growth to be planned for is taken sooner rather than later so that the spatial strategy which will inform the Plan can identify the necessary sites for additional homes to support major employment hubs. Whilst there are areas of significant growth planned in Cambridge, many of these sites are large and complex and somewhat disconnected to major areas of employment. It is important that sites of differing scales are allocated in order to provide a pipeline of homes over the plan period and so it does not impact further on affordability of homes in the area. Implications for the spatial strategy 2.7 Linked to the points above, previous plans for the Greater Cambridge area prioritised development firstly within Cambridge, then on the edge of Cambridge, at new settlements close to Cambridge, and at better served villages. Sites in the adopted 2018 Local Plans focused on new settlements, in particular, which will be built out over a much longer period. In order to address sustainable growth, a blended spatial strategy is required with a significant focus on the early delivery of smaller sites on the edge of Cambridge. 2.8 The Green Belt restricts growth on the edge of Cambridge, increasing in-commuting and travel distances, and creating unsustainable patterns of movement. Development locations, such as Trumpington South, on the edge of Cambridge, have attractive sustainability advantages. The site benefits from excellent access to major employment hubs in southern Cambridge (including the Biomedical Campus and the southern cluster of science parks) and nearby community services and facilities. These connections are set to improve with planned infrastructure improvements, including the South West Travel Hub and extension to the guided busway. Trumpington South will encourage active and shared travel choices and support a modal shift away from the private car, to help mitigate climate impacts.
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Introduction 1. This representation is submitted on behalf of Cambourne West Consortium (Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Homes - formerly Bovis Homes), in response to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues and Options 2020 consultation. 2. These representations are made to promote land to the South of Cambourne Business Park and wider afield west of Cambourne West. Location plans are enclosed at Appendix 1. 3. This Business Park Site is the only remaining land allocated under Policy SS/8 (Cambourne West) of the South Cambridge Local Plan (SCLP) which is not committed and does not benefit from planning permission. This representation relates to providing increased flexibility for this parcel of land for redevelopment for residential, employment and other ancillary uses, as well as the future expansion of Cambourne West beyond the A1198. 4. Responses to the relevant consultation questions from the Issues & Options Consultation documentation are set out below. Background / Executive Summary 5. In December 2017, outline planning permission (‘the OPP’) was granted for up to 2,350 residential units, retail uses, offices/light industry, a community centre and leisure facilities, two primary schools and a secondary school as well as associated infrastructure at Cambourne West (LPA Ref. S/2903/14/OL). The Cambourne West Consortium are in the process of delivering Phase 1 of this permission under submitted reserved maters applications. 6. Cambourne West will comprise three distinct residential neighbourhoods known as Swansley Park, Sheepfold and Woodfields as well as the central spine of green infrastructure. These neighbourhoods will integrate into the existing new settlement of Cambourne. 7. A Design Code was approved by SCDC in 2019 setting out fundamental design guidelines for Cambourne West which aim to ensure there is a cohesive identity across all phases of the development. 8. The OPP broadly reflected Policy SS/8 of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan (SCLP) which allocated Cambourne West for the development of a sustainable, fourth linked village to Cambourne. However, the OPP included additional land which was not included within allocation SS/8 and excluded the U&I land to the south of the current Business Park which does form part of the allocation. 9. Therefore, given the ongoing delivery period for the allocation up to 2031 (as set out within the adopted SCLP), Policy SS/8 will need to be carried forward into the Greater Cambridge Local Plan and updated to reflect the consented development coming forward. As the only remaining land from the allocation without an extant permission, an updated approach to the U&I land (south of the Business Park access road) will need be taken. This should involve relaxing the requirements of criterion 7 of Policy SS/8 and adding clarity on flexibility of uses which would be acceptability on this parcel of land. 10. Cambourne is the largest and most sustainable settlement in the 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. 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. 11. Given the above, it is considered that an additional village can be created on a further area of land to the west of Cambourne. Further details on the promotion of land to the west of the A1198 and south of Cambridge Road (A428) are set out in response to Question 2. 12. Furthermore, Cambourne in general is an ideal location for continued growth over the Greater Cambridge Plan period (up to 2040) and beyond. Details on the future growth in Cambourne is set out in response to Question 40.
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Q7 How do you think we should prioritise these big themes? Rank the options below 1-4 (1 – most preferred 4 – least preferred) Climate change must be the first priority as it also encompasses the other three themes. All four themes are important in the context of changing infrastructure and economic growth in the area, effect on housing need and other aspects of spatial and transport planning and how this translates into a coherent strategic framework for the next 15-20 years. The proposals for Whittlesford can commit to integrating all the themes within its masterplan. Its location in the context of Whittlesford Parkway Station and the proximity to the Wellcome Genome Campus and convenient access to other nearby major employers via public transport and cycle provides scope to reduce travel over longer distances and thus carbon emissions. Please refer to the attached story boards for further detail.
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42. Where should we site new development? Rank the options below 1-6 (1- Most Preferred 6- Least Preferred) Densification of existing urban areas, edge of Cambridge (outside the green belt), edge of Cambridge (green belt), dispersal (new settlements), dispersal (villages), public transport corridors. Given the scale of housing need in Greater Cambridge, a combination of spatial strategies is likely to be needed including edge of Cambridge (Green Belt), new settlements and extensions to villages and other settlements in sustainable locations in the rural areas where they are already served, or with potential for growth, to generate the necessary critical mass to meet the community’s needs. Transport corridors provide the most sustainable options for managing growth. As was clear from the now adopted Local Plan hearings and Inspectors’ Report, reliance on the delivery of new settlements to accommodate a substantial level of the GCP target will not be sufficient. Sites which can be delivered quickly are as equally as important as the longer term ones if GCP is to meet its housing need. The consolidation of Whittlesford and Whittlesford Parkway would stitch together the existing disparate built form through the provision of connected routes and high quality supporting community and social infrastructure. This would create a consolidated and integrated community with convenient access through a choice of transport modes to major centres of employment in and around the City, the Wellcome Genome Campus and beyond to the planned North Uttlesford Garden Community and Stansted Airport. Please also refer to the attached story boards which provide further detail of the potential merits of growth at Whittlesford, which will also assist in rebalancing the current emphasis of growth to the north and west of Greater Cambridge.
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I see you are collecting plans to make our part of the country a better place for us all (Greater Cambridge local plan). In this regard, I recommend consulting Headway Cambridgeshire XX XXXXX X XX X XXXXXX. XXXXX XX XXXX XXXXXXXXX, I have learned of a number of historic events triggered by changes of brain activity. XX XXXXXXX XX XXXXXXX, we can think very positively about improving our and others quality of life.
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SECTION 4.5.2 Clarification would also be welcomed as to how the North East Area Action Plan will fit in with this new Local Plan.
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I write on behalf of E W Pepper Ltd in response to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation 2020. E W Pepper Ltd owns Wyndmere Park Industrial Estate, which lies to the south-west of the village of Steeple Morden in South Cambridgeshire District. E W Pepper also owns circa 7.2 hectares of greenfield land immediately to the south and west of Wyndmere Park. Wyndmere Park is a well-established local employment area, supporting a range of local businesses which include a local accountancy firm, a design consultancy practice, a bakery that supplies local businesses and a security system supplier. It has proven to be a popular and viable location for B1-B8 uses, with high occupancy rates and good rental returns. There is a demand from both existing and new occupiers for additional commercial space in this location. The current tenants have expressed a need for either additional premises or larger purpose-built premises to meet their growing business needs. Their desire is to stay at Wyndmere Park due to its rural location and easy access to the A505 via Station Road. They do not want to have to leave the immediate area or South Cambridgeshire District to find alternative premises. A few quotes from the existing occupiers is provided below: “…the limited eaves height means storage is limited to ground floor. My ideal scenario would be to keep everything under one roof, including warehouse (4500 sq ft), workshop (500sq ft) offices (500sq ft) and showrooms (500sq ft)… Second best scenario is to have an additional small unit of approx. 1000 sqft with mezzanine, which we would use as a showroom and offices and convert Unit 12 into a warehouse too” “We would certainly be interested in more space at Wyndmere…Our ideal solution would be to move the business into one new unit that was big enough to accommodate some further expansion. So, minimum 5000 sq ft of useable space with a roof height sufficient to accept a mezzanine…. We would, of course prefer to do this at Wyndmere Park as it’s a great site and an ideal location.” “At present we could do with another unit the same size as we have but realistically a unit the size of Trundleys would be ideal and obviously would like the units to be at the same location as logistically it would be a nightmare” The adjacent land is available and suitable as an extension to the existing Wyndmere Park and has the potential to offer circa 70, 000 sq ft of new B1c – B8 floorspace. The site was not promoted for employment development during the 2019 Call for Sites, and therefore, a completed Call for Sites form is enclosed. The submission comprises the following documents: ● This Covering Letter ● Completed Call for Sites Form ● Site Location Plan prepared by Bidwells ● Concept Plan prepared by AT ● Access Appraisal prepared by Journey Transport Planning ● Issues and Options Consultation Response Form – Question 2 ● Issues and Options Consultation Response Form – Question 24 ● Issues and Options Consultation Response Form – Question 25 ● Issues and Options Consultation Response Form – Question 28 ● Issues and Options Consultation Response Form – Question 40 ● Issues and Options Consultation Response Form – Question 47 The Site The site promoted for further employment development is located to the south-west of the village of Steeple Morden and comprises 7.2 hectares of greenfield land, adjacent the existing Wyndmere Park Industrial Estate. The existing buildings consist of a range of different types and sizes, including large modern sheet clad buildings and smaller brick built former agricultural buildings. The units are accessed via Ashwell Road. The site is in Flood Zone 1. There are no Listed Buildings or Conservation Area. Proposals The proposed development is for the construction of additional commercial units (B1c-B8) with associated parking and structural landscaping to allow for the expansion of the successful business park to meet demand. A Concept Plan has been prepared to illustrate how up to 70,000 sq ft of new commercial units could be provided on all of the land available. However, a smaller amount of development could come forward. The expansion could facilitate a new vehicular access off Station Road. The majority of vehicle movements would access the site via the A10 from Station Road, which would alleviate traffic from using the Station Road/Ashwell Road junction. As outlined in the accompany Access Appraisal a safe and suitable access is achievable from Station Road and the proposed development (using a worst-case scenario of all B2 units being delivered) would not have a significant impact on the local highway network. A significant landscape buffer could be introduced to screen new development from views from the south and along Station Road. There is also an opportunity to relocate and provide an enhanced allotment provision for the local community, utilising the existing access off Ashwell Road, if the additional land came forward for development. Supporting the rural economy and local business need The National Planning Policy Framework (2019) seeks to support 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.” Although, the site lies outside the settlement envelope, it is located adjacent an existing employment area. New units on the site could be screened from the surrounding countryside through the introduction of new mature tree planting, fencing and/or bunding. The accompanying Transport Appraisal by Journey Transport Planning confirms that The site can provide well-designed, modern, healthy buildings. I trust that the above and the enclosed documentation is self-explanatory, but should you require any further information, then please contact me at your earliest opportunity. I look forward to receiving your response to the above information in relation to the Issues and Options Consultation 2020.
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We are writing on behalf of Jesus College in response to the Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues and Options consultation currently being held as the first stage of consultation for the development of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. We write in relation to the land that Jesus College owns on the southern side of Cambridge. A plan of the site, which is known as ‘Cambridge South’, is provided at Appendix 1. We set out our detailed responses to the consultation questions posed by the ‘First Conversation’ document in Appendix 2 and provide context for our representations with regard to Cambridge South below. The submission is accompanied by an ‘Overview’ document prepared by Hawkins\Brown, which provides additional detail on the development potential of the site. We have not sought to answer every question posed by the First Consultation document but have attempted to cover the different themes. Where appropriate, we have referred to the Cambridge South site to provide context to our response and to demonstrate how the Councils’ aspirations can be practically delivered. Response summary The ‘First Conversation’ on the new Local Plan for Greater Cambridge sets out a positive and aspirational vision that we are very pleased to endorse. With both Councils having declared a climate emergency in 2019, we strongly support the decision to put the issue of climate change at the heart of the new local plan, alongside a positive vision for better places, a net zero carbon economy, social inclusion and improved wellbeing, and the creation of new and improved green spaces. The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service (‘GCSPS’) has an exciting opportunity to deliver growth in an innovative way over the next 20 years and beyond and we support its ambition to capture this in a new local plan. Successfully achieving this vision for change is likely to require planning on a large scale. In order to meet such ambitious targets and to deliver the right types of homes, jobs and infrastructure, we support the GCSPS’ consideration of a range of locations for growth. Given the size of the Greater Cambridge area and the complexity of the issues faced in some areas, it would not be appropriate to provide a broad brush approach to development. The new Local Plan should be used to address specific issues – issues that will need to be addressed if the overall vision is to be achieved. As the GCSPS has set out to do, it is necessary to first understand the specific needs of different quarters of the city, their potential and the need for change. Over a number of years, Jesus College and its advisors’ have engaged with the neighbouring Cambridge Biomedical Campus to understand its future requirements. It is with this specific knowledge that these representations have been prepared. Twenty years ago, the future of the southern Cambridge Fringe was planned comprehensively and with imagination – that vision needs to be refreshed now to address the consequences of growth from today’s perspective and to plan for a long term sustainable future. The need for change: the opportunity for growth The UK Life Sciences Industrial Strategy (2017) recognises that the life sciences sector is nationally important and a key contributor to the UK economy and it identifies Cambridge as one of three internationally significant clusters. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (‘CPIER’) (2018) states that the life science sector accounts for 16% of turnover and 18% of employment in South Cambridgeshire. Accordingly, the Cambridge Biomedical Campus was designated as a Life Sciences Opportunity Zone by the Government in February 2020. The campus was founded over fifty years ago, but it was the approval of a major extension in 2009 (LPA Ref. 06/0796/OUT) that catalysed the first phase of expansion. The speed at which the campus has subsequently attracted occupiers and delivered new floorspace has surpassed expectations. A recent study by the Cambridge Biomedical Campus forecasts the growth of staff numbers from 17,250 in 2016 to more than 26,000 by 20311. Since that study was published, central government has confirmed Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will receive a share of national seed funding of £100 million that means the Trust can draw up plans for a new hospital in preparation to secure full funding and start building work from as early as 2025. The growth of the campus must be commended: it now forms an integral part of Greater Cambridge and has helped sustain the city’s position on the global stage. However, it is necessary to recognise that its rapid growth has placed substantial pressure on local infrastructure and on the wider southern fringe of Cambridge as a whole. The future aspirations of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus will soon be confirmed through the production of a 2050 Vision Document (expected in late 2020), but the pressing need for a comprehensive strategy to address the emerging ‘problems of success’ and to secure a sustainable future is clear. The most visible issue with the campus is the existing stress on the local road network at peak hours, which makes travelling extremely difficult, affecting productivity, recruitment, wellbeing and air quality as a result of the slow moving/stationary vehicles. Car borne traffic predominates and studies by the Greater Cambridge 1 Cambridge Biomedical Campus (2018). Transport Strategy and 5-Year Implementation Plan. Partnership (‘GCP’) recognise the risk that the current problems with congestion will worsen as committed employment at the campus comes online unless there is significant investment in sustainable change. The region is also suffering from a lack of housing, in particular, housing that is affordable to campus staff, which affects the ability of organisations to both attract and retain valuable skilled staff and drives unsustainable commuting patterns. Occupiers have also identified a need for additional facilities to support campus life, including conference facilities, a hotel, schools and crèches2. The campus has some grow on space, but additional land will be required if the campus is to achieve its full potential, to accommodate another major inward investment or to maintain its historic growth trajectory through the new plan period. We respectfully suggest that it is the role of the new Local Plan to address these issues. The Plan’s four big themes will not otherwise be achieved in south Cambridge. Notwithstanding these constraints, the strength of the cluster is such that there continues to be relatively strong demand for floorspace at the campus, but the supply of land is now limited. The preparation of a new Local Plan provides the GCSPS with the important opportunity to resolve these issues and to provide development that accords with the big themes that it has identified. There is land available in a sustainable location that can be used to meet a critical need for general and campus related housing and infrastructure – and to complement the facilities at Cambridge Biomedical Campus with land uses which can strengthen the campus. The land at Cambridge South is in the Green Belt but no other land can address the needs of the southern fringe successfully or plan at a sufficient scale to provide the necessary infrastructure, subsidised housing or other complementary land uses. Cambridge South The big themes that are cited in the ‘First Conversation’ are all relevant to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The need for housing, supporting facilities and convenient routes to and from the campus are detracting from what should be ‘a great place’ and are harming wellbeing, carbon and air quality. The ‘problems of success’ provide a platform from which all of these important issues can be tackled in a comprehensive way, i.e. through a planned approach to development that has these important themes at its heart. We are confident that Cambridge South can provide solutions that are innovative and enable the delivery of the Councils’ higher level objectives as set out below. • Housing - the Cambridge South site is capable of delivering new homes tailored to the specific needs of the campus occupiers, particularly the needs of the hospitals where health workers face a severe and growing shortage of accessible and affordable housing. Initial feasibility studies demonstrate that up to 2,000 new homes could be provided, of which up to 1,000 would be affordable and tailored to the needs of campus related workers. We are committed to delivering housing as a whole that would attract and retain talent, strengthen the international 2 Planning permission for a hotel, conference centre and education centre was granted in 2014 (14/0120/FUL) but not subsequently brought forward and has now lapsed. competitiveness of the campus and enrich the sense of place as a living and working community. The affordable homes would be of a tenure and type to support and enable growth at the (particularly the hospitals) and could be controlled using restrictions similar to those recently agreed at the Wellcome Genome Campus. The provision of circa 2,000 homes would enable the delivery of new socio-economic infrastructure to support the new community and create a great place to live that is inclusive and focused on the wellbeing of its community. • Transport – The location of the Cambridge South site provides a unique opportunity to shape a community that can achieve mobility ‘sustainably’. A major new development at Cambridge South would create an opportunity for development that is not only able to mitigate its own impact on the local transport network, but that also incorporates new strategic infrastructure to address wider issues in the southern fringe and invests in existing public infrastructure. Both the site’s proximity to employment centres and its ability to deliver social and community infrastructure on site would ensure that active travel is an attractive and viable option and would enable ‘local living’. The Masterplan for the site will incorporate an approach that embraces local living and active and shared mobility. This approach places less priority on the car and frees up opportunity to create environments that encourage walking and cycling, making these the most obvious and convenient mode of travel. The provision of Active Travel Corridors through the development with priority over vehicles can be provided making vehicle movements a secondary consideration. Mobility Hubs are one of the best ways of providing and managing services, acting as a multi-modal interchange. The landowners are also developing proposals for a new rapid transit link between the Cambridge South site and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus which could remove vehicles from the Addenbrooke’s Road and the campus. This would help resolve the severe problem with congestion at peak hours, which has worsened with the continued development of the campus. • Facilities to support the cluster – the purpose of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is to enable the worlds of academia, industry, research and health to meet, collaborate and work together to tackle global issues. Private corporations sit alongside charitable institutes and the hospitals, but the limited breadth of supporting facilities available at the campus has resulted in relative isolation between uses, which does not reflect the way in which the best UK and international campuses are developing in response to the needs of their staff and their occupiers. Occupiers of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus have identified a need for a conference centre, a hotel, supporting incubator floorspace to accommodate spin-out companies and SMEs, a new school and childcare facilities. The allocation of land at Cambridge South could address some of these shortcomings in a location close to the existing campus and relieve pressure on the most valuable land in the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus to accommodate the uses most vital to the success of the campus. The land at Cambridge South could also be allocated for longer term expansion land to accommodate new major occupiers, however, it would do so in a planned way, working closely with Cambridge University Hospital Partnerships (‘CUHP’) to ensure that its future is complementary to the campus rather than competitive. Given the scale of the Cambridge South site, there is the potential to accommodate up to 85,000 sqm commercial floorspace3. • Open space: the development of Cambridge south offers the opportunity for a major new 200 acre country park, connecting the southern fringe communities with the river Cam and providing opportunities for large scale biodiversity enhancements. The Cambridge South site is uniquely located to provide sustainable growth in the south of Cambridge. It already benefits from excellent access to the M11, the new and proposed Park and Ride facilities with a busway, and extensive, dedicated cycle network providing access to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, local villages and the city centre. The emerging transit hub around South Cambridge station, which will include access to the Cambridge Autonomous Metro and East West Rail supports the shift to sustainable modes of transport and will help meet transport infrastructure demands in the area. Complementary infrastructure at Cambridge South can stitch these enhancements together and enable the work and living communities locally to work together to achieve sustainable travel. Enhanced sustainability would start with the colocation of complementary facilities to ‘mend’ the current position where the narrow range of uses forces long distance commuting and unnecessary travel for want of local facilities. Infrastructure investment and a commitment to active travel planning can deliver a sustainable future which cannot otherwise be achieved. Development at Cambridge South can bring forward its own infrastructure to link in with emerging local infrastructure proposals, supporting the GCSPS’s aspirations to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enable Cambridge to reach net zero carbon through the use of sustainable means of travel. The landowners recognise the importance of curating new development at Cambridge South to ensure that it enhances the existing campus occupiers and southern fringe communities to respond directly to their needs. Addressing emerging aspirations The landowners are committed to creating a development founded on radical enhancements to green infrastructure. Biodiversity will flourish as low-value agricultural fields are transformed into a network of species-rich green spaces, including a riparian river corridor, a major new country park and inviting recreational environments. Innovative transport solutions will combine with high quality architecture to create places that foster wellbeing and pride. Social infrastructure will add to the network of local facilities and provide a catalyst for local communities to come together. Only a truly mixed use development can leverage the synergy between the provision of up to 2,000 homes, including up to 1,000 affordable homes, alongside the potential for up to 85,000sqm of workspace, social and commercial uses to support the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Delivering development at scale allows the development to make significant investment into climate change adaptation through flood alleviation and on-site energy production. The site would be designed as an open, accessible place that makes a good 3 The Hawkins\Brown Design Document that accompanies this letter illustrates two masterplans: a housing led masterplan and a commercial led masterplan. In the latter option, it is estimated that between 2,500 and 4,500 could be supported, subject to the mix of commercial floorspace provided. neighbour to local communities. It would establish Cambridge’s edge and define what a sustainable mixed community can be. Summary Jesus College has developed a vision for a sustainable expansion of the Cambridge southern fringe, planned on a scale to enable investment in the infrastructure, social facilities, biodiversity, open space and affordable housing that the area needs. The committed growth of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus will continue to have an increased impact on already unsustainable traffic, housing and wellbeing unless these issues are addressed through intervention at a strategic level. The development of land on the southern fringe of Cambridge, including the allocation of Cambridge South as a strategic site, provides the opportunity to tackle these issues head on and support development that is serious about confronting climate change and creating a vibrant and inclusive new future for the southern fringe.
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Response to Question 2 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Land to the South East of Cambridge was submitted to the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment Call for Sites and Broad Locations in 2019. As requested a new Housing and Employment Sites Call for Sites Form has not been produced but an accompanying Vision Document for the site reflects what it is considered the site could include. The Vision Document should be read alongside the 2019 SHELAA submission and it supersedes the previously submitted Options for Sustainable Growth document (March 2019).
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