Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options

The consultation document outlines the preferred development strategy for Greater Cambridge and defines the intention to direct development where it has the least climate impact, where active and public transport is the natural choice, where green infrastructure can be delivered alongside new development, and where jobs, services and facilities can be located near to where people live, whilst ensuring all necessary utilities can be provided in a sustainable way.

The strategy notes that development will therefore make use of brownfield opportunities within the Cambridge Urban Area, urban extension and new settlements but only proposes a very limited amount of development in rural areas.

At this early stage in the Local Plan preparation process (Regulation 18), further consideration of sites suitable for potential development of specialist housing for older people (including Extra Care development) in sustainable locations should be undertaken. The former Papworth Hospital site provides an excellent opportunity to deliver Extra Care development in a sustainable location which will support rural services, improve the vitality and viability of Papworth Everard and the local shops and facilities whilst also enhancing local amenities including healthcare. The proposed development strategy focuses on a number of larger, strategic developments which will not support the existing villages and will not deliver the type of housing required to meet the housing needs of specialist groups (such as older people) and the needs of the local community.