Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options

Comment

Representation ID: 58646

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Socius Development Limited on behalf of Railpen

Agent: Bidwells

Cambridge is very special place as epicentre of UK market for R&D which is key to success of UK economy. Cambridge needs more quality office buildings. Site within Cambridge Prime Central submarket. Submarket faces most severe supply pressures in Greater Cambridge with an available 0.31 years of office supply. Supply/demand imbalance is acute and getting worse. Whilst there is need for housing, council currently has 6.1-year supply. Grade A commercial floor area should be encouraged, incentivised and make best use of brownfield site. No constraints to development. Key question is what quantum can be accommodated. Allocation should not be prescriptive. Site specific matters will determine what impact arise, what harm, if any is adduced, and what benefits apply in the planning balance.

Comment

Representation ID: 58657

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Socius Development Limited on behalf of Railpen

Agent: Bidwells

Policy S/DS sets out the proposed strategy for the pattern, scale and design quality of places created in Greater Cambridge, not only for the plan period but beyond to 2050.

The proposed development strategy for Greater Cambridge is to direct development to 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 development strategy is supported.

Comment

Representation ID: 58665

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Socius Development Limited on behalf of Railpen

Agent: Bidwells

Proposed to continue to identify Mill Road Opportunity Area and Travis Perkins site on Devonshire Road continues to fall within this opportunity area.

Socius Development Limited supports draft Policy S/OA and proposal to carry forward the Mill Road Opportunity Area.

Socius Development Limited supportive of policy direction, in particular to deliver public realm improvements. The opportunity that Travis Perkins site on Devonshire Road can provide in terms of an improved public realm along Devonshire Road should be particularly recognised in future policy wording. Policy should explicitly attach positive weight to development that helps to meet aims of the Opportunity Area policy.

Comment

Representation ID: 58673

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Socius Development Limited on behalf of Railpen

Agent: Bidwells

Travis Perkins, Devonshire Road, Cambridge (HELAA site 51615)

Travis Perkins site on Devonshire Road is proposed as Housing allocation (reference S/C/R9) with revised capacity of 60 dwellings.

Support allocation, but site can accommodate higher capacity and ideally suited for commercial uses. More suited as Mixed Use allocation.

Science and Technology sector is engine of Cambridge Phenomenon. Important to have all types of commercial space to provide wide range of jobs and not rely on long distance travel.

Opportunities for densification in locations well served by public transport should be maximised. Redevelopment of areas around Cambridge station for high quality offices within mixed use development which offers healthy working environment, together with delivery of high quality public realm. Help keep Cambridge compact whilst supporting significant unmet needs arising from knowledge intensive companies. Supports CPIERs third key recommendation.

Comment

Representation ID: 58682

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Socius Development Limited on behalf of Railpen

Agent: Bidwells

Policy H/BR broadly supported.

Build to Rent (BtR) homes can help widen rental offer currently available. City which suffers from low levels of supply and high house prices. Professional management services that are often provided at a BtR scheme can help maintain a high quality of housing, as well as maintain the scheme as a desirable destination for non-residents. BtR tenants tend to want longer tenancies, which can help foster stronger sense of community, with residents remaining more invested in area for longer.

Site at Devonshire Gardens ideally located to accommodate Build to Rent scheme given its location close to local amenities and public transport. Council has recognised through discussions on recent planning application (21/03629/FUL).

Comment

Representation ID: 59268

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Socius Development Limited on behalf of Railpen

Agent: Bidwells

Policy S/NEC and the policy direction is supported. The early commercial and residential phases at Cambridge North provides an opportunity to meet an identified need for commercial uses and mixed tenure, Build to Rent housing. The Site also presents a significant opportunity for redevelopment whilst still being able to respond to local character. They have the potential to create a scheme of high design quality that would make a significant contribution to the emerging city district at Cambridge North. They will both generate the critical mass that generate exciting new places.