Comment

Representation ID: 56110

Received: 02/10/2020

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Agent: Carter Jonas

The statement in the policy ‘Development densities and building heights should not exceed those
identified on Figure 21 and Figure 23’ does not provide sufficient flexibility for a detailed planning application process – there might be exceptional circumstances that support a taller building
beyond the heights specified, and policy should be written in a more positive manner i.e. simply
inserting ‘unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated’.

We would like to query why the plan takes a more cautious approach to heights than is recommended
in the ‘Landscape Character and Visual Impact Appraisal January 2020’ (‘LCVIA’). For the area in
which Buildings 270 and 296 are positioned, the LCVIA recommends ‘up to 6 storeys – 18m’ and we
think the plan in question 6 might follow this approach and simply state ‘up to 6 storeys’ rather
than ‘typically 4 – 5 storeys, maximum 6 storeys’. This would then step- down to 4 storeys on the
Site’s edge near the A14, as recommended. This change in reference would make it clear what the
general upper height parameter should be (rather than the current format which implies that only in
special and limited circumstances will 6 storeys be deemed acceptable), thereby creating a
positively-worded policy that will help optimise economic
development across the CSP.