Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan - Submission version

Comment

Representation ID: 168663

Received: 14/04/2021

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

24. Policy WAT 20 – Sites of value to biodiversity
• The policy specifically asks applicants to retain and enhance the biodiversity value of the network of deciduous woodland species and habitats in the parish. It is unclear why these have been highlighted What evidence has been provided to justify this within the policy?

• Map 6.13 does not appear to show any County Wildlife Sites although a symbol in the key. Our ecology team has indicated that within the parish there are a number of County Wildlife Sites and these should referenced clearly in the Plan and shown on this map - River Cam CWS (east), Clayhithe Pollard Willows CWS (south-east) and Beach Ditch and Engine Drain CWS (north-west)

Comment

Representation ID: 168664

Received: 14/04/2021

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Policy WAT 21 Housing Mix

The housing mix of a new town of approximately 8,000-9,000 dwellings cannot sensibly be determined by the household characteristics of a much smaller existing village of 2,070 dwellings. The new town is intended to address local and sub-regional needs over a number of decades and the second bullet point of the policy which requires 40% of market homes and a majority of affordable homes to comprise 1 or 2 bedroom homes is considered to be too rigid and inflexible in respect of both the market and affordable housing mix and should be deleted. Needs and demand can change over time and can be influenced by external factors such as the ‘bedroom tax’ which could potentially change in the future. The proposed policy approach is not considered to be in general conformity with Local Plan policy H/9 Housing Mix.

Comment

Representation ID: 168665

Received: 14/04/2021

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Policy WAT 23 Allocation of affordable housing at Waterbeach New Town.

We suggested changes to this policy wording much of which has been done

Comment

Representation ID: 168666

Received: 14/04/2021

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

27. Policy WAT 24 Waterbeach park homes

Would it be helpful to have a map showing where the existing park homes are located within the parish?