Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options

Countryside support the allocation of Land to the west of Cambridge Road, Melbourn. The site presents an opportunity to deliver homes in a Minor Rural Centre and allows for development to expand or support the adjacent Melbourn Science Park.

The application and appeal process for residential development on the site have established a clear and strong position that the site is deliverable (achievable, available, suitable) and a sustainable location for development. There are no technical reasons for the site not to come forward for development and Countryside is committed to working with the Local Planning Authority to develop a proposal that best supports the objectives of the Local Plan and its policies.

The development of the site could deliver numerous tangible social, economic and environmental benefits to Melbourn and the local area that meet the aims for the Plan, including:

● Delivery of affordable housing, including the potential for an element of build to rent. This would allow people to upscale and downsize subject to their needs over time whilst also meeting affordable housing need within the District;
● Locating residential development adjacent to one of the village’s largest employment sites, Melbourn Science Park. Melbourn Science Park is delivering a recently granted permission for a substantial extension to the Park and provides a unique employment source which is of great importance to Melbourn and the surrounding area. Furthermore, the site presents an opportunity to expand or support the Science Park, providing additional local employment opportunities. The development would provide people with the opportunity of living and working in the same village and encourage sustainable modes of transport;
● Countryside has recently committed to becoming a net zero company by 2030 and have released a report ‘Pathfinder: Marking out the route to Net Zero’1 which sets out the principles that Countryside will follow to respond to the global call to arms for climate action. Land to the west of Cambridge Road, Melbourn will benefit from the action plan set out within the Pathfinder report.
● The delivery of a walking route which is easily accessible to current and future residents and employees of the village. It will create a new recreation asset for the village and provide a walking opportunity for those that may have otherwise considered the need to travel to SSSIs for that activity, therefore protecting nearby SSSI’s from increased recreational pressure. Cambridge Road is also of the route of the proposed Melbourn Greenway, which will be an active travel route to make it easier for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to travel from Melbourn into Cambridge;
● The delivery of a pedestrian route from the West of the site along ‘the Drift’ which links to Moat Lane. This will provide new residents with enhanced pedestrian connectivity to the adjacent Science Park and the Melbourn High Street, encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport; and
● Supporting Melbourn’s economy, including local shops and services. The Economic Benefits Statement submitted with the outline application for the previous residential scheme, found that there would also be a significant and positive impact upon Melbourn's economy with residents of the new development supporting existing local shops and services within the village. This benefit is recognised in the Delegation Report at page 30. As a result of the proposed development, approximately £248,000 per annum is expected to be spent at local shops and services, potentially supporting an additional three jobs. This assessment was based on a residential only scheme of up to 160 dwellings, nevertheless a mixed-use scheme which delivered approximately 120 homes and 2.5ha of employment land would still provide comparable and substantial economic benefit locally.

The proposed site allocation identifies that development of the site should accommodate the following constraints:
● Note that deliverability for employment has yet to be confirmed
● Ensure integration of any employment uses within the existing science park

The site presents a suitable location to support and expand the adjacent Melbourn Science Park, building on the success of an established science park and providing an opportunity to further enhance this science and tech/R&D cluster. The site can deliver jobs in a sustainable location, by reference to its access to public transport and key services and facilities whilst being in close proximity to existing homes and new homes proposed as part of the allocation. It is one of only a few village locations that has access to a train station. It is also on the A10 corridor and the Melbourn greenway will build on the existing pedestrian and cycle network enhancing connections to the planned Foxton Travel Hub. Initial technical assessments demonstrate that the provision of employment floorspace as part of a mixed-use proposal is deliverable.

The Illustrative Framework Plan demonstrates one way that the site is capable of accommodating a deliverable mixed-use scheme comprising up to 120 dwellings and up 2.5ha of employment.

The Masterplan includes two ‘character’ areas, split by the existing central hedge that runs through the site. These accommodate the residential area to the north and the proposed commercial uses, that could support the expansion of the science park, to the south. The residential and commercial uses are connected by several pedestrian/cycle links to provide connectivity and integration between the two. The masterplan includes for landscaping that provides separation between the uses and culminates in a large central green space which includes for a LEAP. A natural/semi-natural green space with SuDS features is within the north-west of the site and green buffers run along the Cambridge Road frontage and the western boundary.

The Masterplan includes for two main access routes off Cambridge Road. There will be a clear legible road network including shared surfaces, and dwellings of a range of sizes and typologies. A pedestrian link is proposed in the west of the site along ‘the Drift’ which links to Moat Lane, providing enhanced connectivity and integration for new residents to access the existing and expanded Science Park and the High Street.

Delivery of affordable housing is a key element of the development proposals. It is proposed that build to rent apartments and houses could be delivered as part of this offering. These dwellings would be retained to provide long term rental opportunities. This would include holding a range of housing to offer a variety of rental properties, allowing people to up scale and downsize subject to their needs over time. This would provide a greater opportunity for people to remain in the village.

The proposed additional mitigation in relation to ecology comprises a walking route around the site and within the field adjacent to the north west of the site. The walking route is approximately 2km in length and is easily accessible to future residents of the proposed development. The route includes linked loops which take pedestrians around areas of public open space within the site and then around the perimeter of the adjacent field, allowing opportunities for trained dogs to walk off the lead. Dog waste bins and signage will be provided where appropriate.

The walking route would not be for the sole use of residents of the proposed development but will be open to the public; it therefore generates the benefit that it will create a new recreation asset for the village and provide a walking opportunity for those that may have otherwise considered the need to travel to SSSIs for that activity. The delivery of this route would therefore address the effects of increased recreational pressure on the nearby SSSI’s and has been the subject of on-going consultation with Natural England.

Whilst fully supportive of the mixed use allocation in light of the site’s proximity to the neighbouring and successful science park, if through further assessment and discussions the Local Planning Authority determine that the final allocation for the site should be a residential-only scheme, Countryside would also support this approach and consider that such a proposal is a deliverable prospect and would still realise the numerous tangible benefits that have been identified. A residential-only scheme would deliver up to 160 residential units, including 40% affordable housing, landscaping, vehicular and pedestrian access and formal and informal open space.

The boundary for the proposed allocation should reflect that shown in the Site Location Plan included at Appendix 1. The Site Location Plan includes for an area of land known as ‘the Drift’ which connects the site to Moat Lane in the west. This will deliver a pedestrian route, providing enhanced connectivity to the Science Park and Melbourn High Street. The allocation currently refers to a site area of 6.5ha and this should be updated to 6.84ha to reflect the inclusion of the Drift.

The Phase 2 land, which lies to the north-west of the proposed allocation site, was submitted for consideration as part of the Issues and Option consultation and remains available for development as a suitable and deliverable site should there be a need to deliver additional housing. The proposals for the Phase 2 development could deliver up to a further 140 dwellings, including 40% affordable housing, landscaping, vehicular and pedestrian access and formal and informal open space. The land is located immediately adjacent to the recent expansion of the Melbourn Science Park and could provide linkages between the two. The Phase 2 land would be accessed through the Phase 1 site and will ensure that there is pedestrian connectivity to the proposed link through the Drift.

1 https://www.countrysideproperties.com/sites/default/files/2021-11/Pathfinder%20-%20Marking%20out%20the%20route%20to%20net%20zero.pdf

The reliance on existing, large site allocations should be balanced with smaller sites within existing sustainable settlements, such as the land west of Station Road, Fulbourn, to maintain the smooth delivery of housing throughout the plan period.

The above issue has been made clear in the Letwin Review, which focused on the delivery of large housing sites, and recent Local Plan examinations, such as Uttlesford and St Albans, where the focus of the plans only on large sites for delivery has been heavily criticised.


In addition the Cambridge & Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER), which was published in September 2018, concluded that 'Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is an area which already makes a huge contribution to the UK, and which holds great promise for the future. It also faces risks, which could bring the success to an end, and challenges relating to creating an inclusive society where economic growth works for everyone'.

The CPIER report, advocates a 'blended spatial strategy' of four possible scenarios:
- densification
- dispersal
- fringe growth
- transport corridors

It concluded that 'some densification, particularly in Cambridge, is needed, though this should happen away from the historic centre, and more on the edges, as and where new development sites come forward. There should be some scope for expanding development around the city boundary, but intelligently planned transport links will be needed to avoid worsening of congestion. In Cambridge specifically though there are limits to the growth of the city in other directions, the east side of the city (of which Fulbourn is on) offers significant scope for housing and commercial development. Such development would have the advantage of being close to the principal centres of employment and the existing rail infrastructure whilst also opening up opportunities for new transport links to connect the main centres of employment more effectively'.

The land west of Station Road, Fulbourn is a very sustainable location, which is consistent with the conclusion of the CPIER report. The site is well-related to the centre of Fulbourn, which benefits from a high quality bus service and the site is also adjacent to the Cambridge to Newmarket railway line, where land has been safeguarded to provide for a new railway station should it be required in the future. Therefore the site should be included as an allocation within this local plan to support the sustainable delivery of housing.

We believe that Fulbourn is an excellent location for sustainable development.
The land west of Station Road is centrally located and has potential to deliver up to 150 homes within Fulbourn, with excellent links to the sustainable transport network via the Fulbourn Greenway.

Evidence from the CPIER (2018) report identified the east side of the city (of which Fulbourn is on) as offering significant scope for housing and commercial development. Such development would have the advantage of being close to the principal centres of employment and the existing rail infrastructure whilst also opening up opportunities for new transport links to connect the main centres of employment more effectively'.

The land west of Station Road is located within close proximity to shops, services, and facilities including a primary school, together with regular bus services to major employment locations such as Capital Park, Tesco, Biomedical Campus/Addenbrookes Hospital, the railway station area, and the historic city centre and should not be discounted for development. Development of the land west of Station Road would allow for the sustainable growth of Fulbourn as a rural centre and should be included within the plan.




It is clear that policy S/RRA/H/3 (Fulbourn and Ida Darwin Hospitals) are an excellent location for development. Therefore, it seems illogical that available land, so close to this location, such as the land west of Station Road, should be overlooked by this plan. The land west of Station Road has enviable links to the proposed Fulbourn Greenway and would provide an excellent expansion site within the centre of the village. We suggest that the land west of Station Road should be included as an additional allocation within the rural area.

Whilst we largely agree with the Greater Places policies, we believe a more extensive review of the Green Belt should be carried out to include sites such as the land west of Station Road, Fulbourn, which represents an excellent location for sustainable development.

The Green Belt provides an important role in preventing urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open and serving the five purposes set out in paragraph 134 of the National Planning Policy Framework namely:
a) to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;
b) to prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another;
c) to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment;
d) to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and
e) to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

A comprehensive review of the original 2012 Green Belt Review should be undertaken as part of the evidence base underpinning the new Greater Cambridge Local Plan. In many instances there may be opportunities to release land currently within the Green Belt, which plays a limited role in serving the five purposes set out in the NPPF, such as the land west of Station Road, Fulbourn.

Given the geography of Greater Cambridge, in which many of the most sustainable parts of the spatial planning area are located within the Green Belt, it is considered that some Green Belt release should form part of the overall spatial strategy.

In this way, the area can help to reduce travel distances and help facilitate sustainability through the provision of sustainable transport infrastructure.

The important role that the Green Belt plays is acknowledged, however a flexible approach needs to be taken where sites such as land west of Station Road, Fulbourn benefit from their proximity to existing frequent public transport (with a bus stop just 100 metres south of the site). The proposed Fulbourn Greenway being bought forward by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) would also to provide high quality sustainable transport infrastructure to further improve connectivity.

In addition, the land west of Station Road, Fulbourn presents opportunities for Green Belt release that would help to enable a sustainable large village such as Fulbourn to grow in a sustainable manner.

The site itself is very well-contained and provides a very limited contribution to the Green Belt purposes.
The site is surround on 3 sides by housing development, and the railway and industrial area to its northern edge.

Its release would play no role in facilitating unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas and would not result in towns merging into one another.

While it would play a limited role in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment, it is an exceptionally well-contained site with residential development on its western, southern, and eastern boundaries, and the Cambridge to Newmarket railway line providing a clear defensible boundary along its northern side.

The land west of Station Road, Fulbourn should be released from the Green Belt.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This representation has been prepared by Strutt & Parker on behalf of Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd to support the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton as part of the Greater Cambridge First Proposals Consultation 2021.

1.2 In September 2021 Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service published the Greater Cambridge Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), which provided an initial assessment of the sites put forward for consideration for allocation as part of the Call for Sites consultations within Greater Cambridge.

1.3 This representation provides a response to the ‘First Proposals’ Preferred Options Consultation and has been structured to respond to relevant questions as set out within the First Proposals Consultation. In addition, a detailed assessment is provided in respect of the HELAA Proforma for the site.

1.4 The HELAA excludes the Balsham Road site from allocation primarily on the basis of landscape issues, notably that the proposed development “would have substantial and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts that would not be sufficiently mitigated by the proposed landscape treatments”.

1.5 The site was submitted as part of the Call for Sites for circa 300 dwellings and a rural business park. In response to the HELAA consultation, an updated Landscape Technical Note and Opportunities and Constraints Plan has been prepared by Barton Willmore to respond to the landscape and townscape comments regarding the sensitivity of the site. As a result, it is proposed to set development back from the northern boundary and provide key landscape corridors through the site. The site is considered to have capacity for the provision for up to 300 dwellings and up to 1 hectare of employment land. The Technical Note by Barton Wilmore on the landscape and visual impact has been provided within appendix A of this response.

1.6 The Opportunities and Constraints Plan demonstrates where the most and least sensitive areas within the site are. This has been produced in conjunction with the Technical Note on landscape and visual impact and the Council’s Landscape Character Assessment (2021). This has informed a reduced developable area. The revised scheme has been set back from the north, with clear landscape corridors, to allow clear landscape views to the Grade II Listed Water Tower to be fully maintained. The proposed development area represents a logical rounding off and extension to the large Minor Rural Centre of Linton which is a well-served village with a number of existing services and facilities.

1.7 Therefore, in view of the above, it is considered that several of the assessments criteria, particularly regarding the landscape impact should be re-categorised. It has been demonstrated in the supporting information provided that the allocation of this site would not have a significant adverse impact the landscape and townscape such that the site should be considered as a suitable, achievable and deliverable site for housing and should therefore be put forward for allocation in the emerging Local Plan. Further analysis of this is set out within section 7 of this report.

1.8 In support of this report, the following documents have been prepared; • Landscape and Visual Technical Advice Note – Barton Willmore; and • Opportunities and Constraints Plan – Barton Willmore.

1.9 In addition to the above documents, where relevant reference is also made to documents prepared and submitted previously as part of earlier rounds of consultation on the Local Plan.

2. QUESTION: Do you agree that we should plan for an extra 550 homes per year, so that housing keeps up pressure with increased jobs in our area?

2.1 We agree that it is very important that housing delivery keeps up for demand for increased jobs within the area.

2.2 As part of the preparation of the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan, the Shared Planning Service has identified a need for 2,321 dwellings to be built per year. A significant proportion of this growth is made up of existing allocations within the Local Plan.

2.3 The initial evidence base and spatial options assessment for the emerging Local Plan, set three growth options; ‘minimum’ (40,300 dwellings - based upon standard methodology); ‘medium’ (46,200 dwellings- based upon economic forecast based upon long term historic employment) and ‘maximum’ (67,700 dwellings – based upon fast economic growth in the recent past). In view of this, the housing delivery target of 44,400 new homes over the plan period alongside 58,500 new jobs would fall between the ‘minimum ‘and ‘medium’ growth scenarios previously suggested.

2.4 The Development Strategy Topic Paper, that accompanies this consultation acknowledges that the Greater Cambridge economy is dynamic and does not readily align with national or regional forecasts for job growth. In particular, it has a world-renowned life sciences cluster which has the potential to drive growth beyond typical regional or national rates. It is also acknowledged that in the recent past employment growth within the region has been significantly higher than predicted.

2.5 Accounting for the evidence set out within the Development Strategy Topic Paper, it is not clearly justified why only 44,400 new homes and 58,500 new jobs are proposed over the plan period. It is considered that this approach should be re-visited to increase both housing and employment allocations within the Local Plan. It is considered that the delivery of housing should be significantly increased, in line with the ‘maximum’ growth forecast, to align with economic growth within the recent past. The case for maximum growth forecast is further supported by significant transport investment within the area over the plan period. This includes schemes such as East-West Rail, Cambridge South Station and the delivery of a number of Rapid Transit Routes proposed by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

2.6 The provision for lower growth scenarios does also not appear to be consistent with the Government’s objectives for the Ox-Cam Arc as a focus for housing and employment growth with associated infrastructure

3. QUESTION: Do you agree that new development should mainly focus on sites where car travel, and therefore emissions, can be minimised?

3.1 Yes, in principle the proposal to focus development on sites where car travel can be minimised is supported. Consistent with this strategy, it is considered to be very important that some growth is delivered in the larger more sustainable villages that are located outside of the Green Belt, such as Linton. National policy is clear within paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where they will support local services. The updated NPPF (2021), also provides additional emphases on the suitability of providing significant extensions to villages, provided that they are well located and designed.

3.2 The CPIER report, which is referenced as a key document within the evidence base provides a detailed analysis regarding the potential benefits of focusing growth along key transport corridors. The proposed Cambridge South-East Transport Project (CSET), proposes significant sustainable transport improvements between Cambridge and Haverhill. This includes significantly improved public transport, including an off-road rapid transit bus route, along with significant cycleway improvements along the A1307, some of which have already been implemented. For ease of reference appendix D of this representation provides accessibility plans, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, which were previously submitted as part of the Issues and Options Consultation. The Accessibility Plans demonstrate the significant transport improvement measures within Linton and in between Linton and Cambridge.

3.3 In addition, Linton, benefits from being a sustainable settlement in its own right. As referred to within our previous representation at Issues and Options Stage (refer to Appendix C), Linton is the largest Minor Rural Service Centre (As defined within the adopted and emerging Local Plan) that is not situated within the Green Belt. It is also benefits from both primary and secondary education facilities and a large range of services, including shops, pubs, restaurants and community facilities.

3.4 Linton did also not receive any allocations within the 2018 Local Plan and therefore provision for additional growth as part of the Local Plan 2041 would be appropriate and assist with maintaining viability and vibrancy of the village by sustaining and enhancing rural services.

3.5 For the above reasons, it is considered that additional growth within Linton would be consistent with the objective of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel. Of the 6 sites submitted within Linton as part of the Call for Sites process, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, is considered to be a particularly sustainable and suitable site for residential development.

3.6 It is suggested that the provision for increasing the range of sites modestly to include smaller and medium sites in the rural area would provide significant benefits. For example, they could be delivered more quickly without requiring additional infrastructure, provide choice and flexibility in the housing market and secure affordable housing more immediately. This is a point recognised by the Inspector that examined the 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire as referenced within paragraph 31 of the report: “In order to arrive at a sound strategy, we consider that as a primary consideration, the Council would need to allocate more small and medium sized sites that could deliver homes in the short to medium term and help to bolster the 5-year HLS, until the Garden Communities begin to deliver housing. This would have the benefit of providing flexibility and choice in the market and the earlier provision of more affordable housing” (paragraph 114).

4. QUESTION: We feel that we should support the development of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with space for more healthcare facilities, research and housing. What housing, facilities or open spaces should be created around the campus?

4.1 We strongly agree that supporting the development and further expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus should be one of the key principles of the new Local Plan. To support this objective, it is imperative therefore that a proportion of new housing growth is located along sustainable transport corridors from the Biomedical Campus, to support the objective of the Local Plan outlined above (in section 3 of this statement), which seeks to minimise car travel.

4.2 It is also very important that the emerging Local Plan 2041 aligns housing and employment growth, with major transport schemes that are being promoted in and around Cambridge. The First Proposals provide a number of references to East-West Rail and the provision for Cambridge South Station, both of which are important new transport infrastructure projects. However, additional focus needs to be given the major infrastructure projects being promoted by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. Of particularly relevance to the Biomedical Campus expansion, is the Cambridge South East Rapid Transit Route (CSET), which is proposed to provide a rapid transit route from the Biomedical Campus to the market town of Haverhill, the majority of which will be provided as an off-road bus way route. It is considered important that substantial housing growth is provided to the south east of Cambridge along this rapid transit route, to ensure ease of access to the Biomedical Campus by sustainable transport means.

4.3 It is understood that the CSET Project has progressed significantly since the Issues and Options Consultation in 2020. It is understood that the Greater Cambridge Partnership are intending to submit a Transport for Works Order in early 2022. It is also an identified route within the current Local Transport Plan.

4.4 Linton is one of the largest settlements with South Cambridgeshire that will be served by the CSET route. Therefore, growth in this settlement would be consistent with one of the key objectives of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel by focusing growth on locations with good transport infrastructure. Linton is situated outside of the Green Belt and therefore it is considered that Linton should be the focus for growth ahead of settlements that lie within this designation such as Sawston.

5. QUESTION: What housing, jobs, facilities or open spaces do you think should be provided in and around these villages?

5.1 It is important that a range of housing, jobs and facilities are provided within larger villages as part of new allocations to allow them to thrive and remain vibrant. Countryside Properties are responsible for the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton and have a track record of delivering high quality housing developments, which provide a mix of dwellings and tenures to meet objectively assessed housing needs. Countryside Properties are fully committed, to engagement with the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service and Linton Parish Council regarding the mix and type of housing to be delivered on land to the north-west of Balsham Road. The proposals also include the provision for the delivery of a substantial area of public open space with associated landscaping and Countryside Properties are flexible on the proposed use of this open space.

5.2 The submission of the site, also includes the provision for a Rural Business Centre of up to 1 hectare in size. This Rural Business Centre has the ability to ensure that jobs are provided within the application site and to support smaller start-up businesses within the local area. This further strengthens the sustainability case for development of this site.

5.3 It should however be noted that Linton is strategically well located to provide housing growth in close proximity to large employment generators and jobs such as the Genome Campus, Granta Park, Haverhill, the Biomedical Campus as demonstrated by the attached accessibility plan, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, that is provided within Appendix D.

6. QUESTION: Are there any sites which you think should be developed for housing or business use, which we haven’t got on our map so far?

6.1 Yes, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton should be allocated for development and would be a sound allocation as part of the emerging Local Plan being brought forward by a housebuilder that has a good track record for delivery. Countryside is a leading national housebuilder and has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality mixed-tenure housing developments and award-winning places to live and are committed to delivering a landscape led development at Balsham Road, Linton.

6.2 The land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton is being promoted for a residential-led mixed use development which comprises an employment area. The proposals consist of up to 300 dwellings and a rural business centre of up to 1 hectare in size.

6.3 Having reviewed the settlement morphology, the area of proposed built form is now concentrated away from the northern boundary, thereby extending the village in such a way that respects the more sensitive landscape views in the northern part of the site.

6.4 The proposed development is focussed towards the south of the site which is the least visible from the surrounding landscape, and will comprise of up to 300 dwellings. To the east the site is well screened by the existing scrap yard and structural vegetation.

6.5 Medium to long distant views are available of only the northern parts of the site and as such these areas are proposed as open green space, in order to protect the character of the rolling Chalkland, as well as views of the listed Rivey Hill Water Tower, as a prominent feature on the horizon above Linton, as seen from the landscape to the south, which is identified in the Greater Cambridge Landscape Character Assessment.

6.6 The opportunity and constraints plan also allows provision for clear views to the water tower, along green corridors within the site. This will also help protect views of the water tower to the north. The aim of integrating the settlement with the rural landscape is also furthered by the inclusion of lower density housing towards the northern parts of the area proposed for development, forming an outward-facing, transitional porous settlement edge.

6.7 Structural vegetation is proposed along the western extents of the southern boundary, in order to provide a buffer between the proposed development and the existing housing to the south, as well as the western boundary in order to reinforce and strengthen the existing vegetated buffer to the bridleway. Further structural vegetation is proposed along the northern boundary, following the natural contours of the land form in order to soften the artificially straight line of the hedgerow that cuts across the landscape. Belts of structural 10 vegetation running broadly east/west more centrally within the site similarly follow the existing contours in order to soften the proposed development and integrate it within the surrounding rural landscape - see The Landscape and Visual Opportunities and Constraints plan (LN-LP-04 Rev A).

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This representation has been prepared by Strutt & Parker on behalf of Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd to support the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton as part of the Greater Cambridge First Proposals Consultation 2021.

1.2 In September 2021 Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service published the Greater Cambridge Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), which provided an initial assessment of the sites put forward for consideration for allocation as part of the Call for Sites consultations within Greater Cambridge.

1.3 This representation provides a response to the ‘First Proposals’ Preferred Options Consultation and has been structured to respond to relevant questions as set out within the First Proposals Consultation. In addition, a detailed assessment is provided in respect of the HELAA Proforma for the site.

1.4 The HELAA excludes the Balsham Road site from allocation primarily on the basis of landscape issues, notably that the proposed development “would have substantial and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts that would not be sufficiently mitigated by the proposed landscape treatments”.

1.5 The site was submitted as part of the Call for Sites for circa 300 dwellings and a rural business park. In response to the HELAA consultation, an updated Landscape Technical Note and Opportunities and Constraints Plan has been prepared by Barton Willmore to respond to the landscape and townscape comments regarding the sensitivity of the site. As a result, it is proposed to set development back from the northern boundary and provide key landscape corridors through the site. The site is considered to have capacity for the provision for up to 300 dwellings and up to 1 hectare of employment land. The Technical Note by Barton Wilmore on the landscape and visual impact has been provided within appendix A of this response.

1.6 The Opportunities and Constraints Plan demonstrates where the most and least sensitive areas within the site are. This has been produced in conjunction with the Technical Note on landscape and visual impact and the Council’s Landscape Character Assessment (2021). This has informed a reduced developable area. The revised scheme has been set back from the north, with clear landscape corridors, to allow clear landscape views to the Grade II Listed Water Tower to be fully maintained. The proposed development area represents a logical rounding off and extension to the large Minor Rural Centre of Linton which is a well-served village with a number of existing services and facilities.

1.7 Therefore, in view of the above, it is considered that several of the assessments criteria, particularly regarding the landscape impact should be re-categorised. It has been demonstrated in the supporting information provided that the allocation of this site would not have a significant adverse impact the landscape and townscape such that the site should be considered as a suitable, achievable and deliverable site for housing and should therefore be put forward for allocation in the emerging Local Plan. Further analysis of this is set out within section 7 of this report.

1.8 In support of this report, the following documents have been prepared; • Landscape and Visual Technical Advice Note – Barton Willmore; and • Opportunities and Constraints Plan – Barton Willmore.

1.9 In addition to the above documents, where relevant reference is also made to documents prepared and submitted previously as part of earlier rounds of consultation on the Local Plan.

2. QUESTION: Do you agree that we should plan for an extra 550 homes per year, so that housing keeps up pressure with increased jobs in our area?

2.1 We agree that it is very important that housing delivery keeps up for demand for increased jobs within the area.

2.2 As part of the preparation of the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan, the Shared Planning Service has identified a need for 2,321 dwellings to be built per year. A significant proportion of this growth is made up of existing allocations within the Local Plan.

2.3 The initial evidence base and spatial options assessment for the emerging Local Plan, set three growth options; ‘minimum’ (40,300 dwellings - based upon standard methodology); ‘medium’ (46,200 dwellings- based upon economic forecast based upon long term historic employment) and ‘maximum’ (67,700 dwellings – based upon fast economic growth in the recent past). In view of this, the housing delivery target of 44,400 new homes over the plan period alongside 58,500 new jobs would fall between the ‘minimum ‘and ‘medium’ growth scenarios previously suggested.

2.4 The Development Strategy Topic Paper, that accompanies this consultation acknowledges that the Greater Cambridge economy is dynamic and does not readily align with national or regional forecasts for job growth. In particular, it has a world-renowned life sciences cluster which has the potential to drive growth beyond typical regional or national rates. It is also acknowledged that in the recent past employment growth within the region has been significantly higher than predicted.

2.5 Accounting for the evidence set out within the Development Strategy Topic Paper, it is not clearly justified why only 44,400 new homes and 58,500 new jobs are proposed over the plan period. It is considered that this approach should be re-visited to increase both housing and employment allocations within the Local Plan. It is considered that the delivery of housing should be significantly increased, in line with the ‘maximum’ growth forecast, to align with economic growth within the recent past. The case for maximum growth forecast is further supported by significant transport investment within the area over the plan period. This includes schemes such as East-West Rail, Cambridge South Station and the delivery of a number of Rapid Transit Routes proposed by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

2.6 The provision for lower growth scenarios does also not appear to be consistent with the Government’s objectives for the Ox-Cam Arc as a focus for housing and employment growth with associated infrastructure

3. QUESTION: Do you agree that new development should mainly focus on sites where car travel, and therefore emissions, can be minimised?

3.1 Yes, in principle the proposal to focus development on sites where car travel can be minimised is supported. Consistent with this strategy, it is considered to be very important that some growth is delivered in the larger more sustainable villages that are located outside of the Green Belt, such as Linton. National policy is clear within paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where they will support local services. The updated NPPF (2021), also provides additional emphases on the suitability of providing significant extensions to villages, provided that they are well located and designed.

3.2 The CPIER report, which is referenced as a key document within the evidence base provides a detailed analysis regarding the potential benefits of focusing growth along key transport corridors. The proposed Cambridge South-East Transport Project (CSET), proposes significant sustainable transport improvements between Cambridge and Haverhill. This includes significantly improved public transport, including an off-road rapid transit bus route, along with significant cycleway improvements along the A1307, some of which have already been implemented. For ease of reference appendix D of this representation provides accessibility plans, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, which were previously submitted as part of the Issues and Options Consultation. The Accessibility Plans demonstrate the significant transport improvement measures within Linton and in between Linton and Cambridge.

3.3 In addition, Linton, benefits from being a sustainable settlement in its own right. As referred to within our previous representation at Issues and Options Stage (refer to Appendix C), Linton is the largest Minor Rural Service Centre (As defined within the adopted and emerging Local Plan) that is not situated within the Green Belt. It is also benefits from both primary and secondary education facilities and a large range of services, including shops, pubs, restaurants and community facilities.

3.4 Linton did also not receive any allocations within the 2018 Local Plan and therefore provision for additional growth as part of the Local Plan 2041 would be appropriate and assist with maintaining viability and vibrancy of the village by sustaining and enhancing rural services.

3.5 For the above reasons, it is considered that additional growth within Linton would be consistent with the objective of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel. Of the 6 sites submitted within Linton as part of the Call for Sites process, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, is considered to be a particularly sustainable and suitable site for residential development.

3.6 It is suggested that the provision for increasing the range of sites modestly to include smaller and medium sites in the rural area would provide significant benefits. For example, they could be delivered more quickly without requiring additional infrastructure, provide choice and flexibility in the housing market and secure affordable housing more immediately. This is a point recognised by the Inspector that examined the 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire as referenced within paragraph 31 of the report: “In order to arrive at a sound strategy, we consider that as a primary consideration, the Council would need to allocate more small and medium sized sites that could deliver homes in the short to medium term and help to bolster the 5-year HLS, until the Garden Communities begin to deliver housing. This would have the benefit of providing flexibility and choice in the market and the earlier provision of more affordable housing” (paragraph 114).

4. QUESTION: We feel that we should support the development of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with space for more healthcare facilities, research and housing. What housing, facilities or open spaces should be created around the campus?

4.1 We strongly agree that supporting the development and further expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus should be one of the key principles of the new Local Plan. To support this objective, it is imperative therefore that a proportion of new housing growth is located along sustainable transport corridors from the Biomedical Campus, to support the objective of the Local Plan outlined above (in section 3 of this statement), which seeks to minimise car travel.

4.2 It is also very important that the emerging Local Plan 2041 aligns housing and employment growth, with major transport schemes that are being promoted in and around Cambridge. The First Proposals provide a number of references to East-West Rail and the provision for Cambridge South Station, both of which are important new transport infrastructure projects. However, additional focus needs to be given the major infrastructure projects being promoted by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. Of particularly relevance to the Biomedical Campus expansion, is the Cambridge South East Rapid Transit Route (CSET), which is proposed to provide a rapid transit route from the Biomedical Campus to the market town of Haverhill, the majority of which will be provided as an off-road bus way route. It is considered important that substantial housing growth is provided to the south east of Cambridge along this rapid transit route, to ensure ease of access to the Biomedical Campus by sustainable transport means.

4.3 It is understood that the CSET Project has progressed significantly since the Issues and Options Consultation in 2020. It is understood that the Greater Cambridge Partnership are intending to submit a Transport for Works Order in early 2022. It is also an identified route within the current Local Transport Plan.

4.4 Linton is one of the largest settlements with South Cambridgeshire that will be served by the CSET route. Therefore, growth in this settlement would be consistent with one of the key objectives of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel by focusing growth on locations with good transport infrastructure. Linton is situated outside of the Green Belt and therefore it is considered that Linton should be the focus for growth ahead of settlements that lie within this designation such as Sawston.

5. QUESTION: What housing, jobs, facilities or open spaces do you think should be provided in and around these villages?

5.1 It is important that a range of housing, jobs and facilities are provided within larger villages as part of new allocations to allow them to thrive and remain vibrant. Countryside Properties are responsible for the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton and have a track record of delivering high quality housing developments, which provide a mix of dwellings and tenures to meet objectively assessed housing needs. Countryside Properties are fully committed, to engagement with the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service and Linton Parish Council regarding the mix and type of housing to be delivered on land to the north-west of Balsham Road. The proposals also include the provision for the delivery of a substantial area of public open space with associated landscaping and Countryside Properties are flexible on the proposed use of this open space.

5.2 The submission of the site, also includes the provision for a Rural Business Centre of up to 1 hectare in size. This Rural Business Centre has the ability to ensure that jobs are provided within the application site and to support smaller start-up businesses within the local area. This further strengthens the sustainability case for development of this site.

5.3 It should however be noted that Linton is strategically well located to provide housing growth in close proximity to large employment generators and jobs such as the Genome Campus, Granta Park, Haverhill, the Biomedical Campus as demonstrated by the attached accessibility plan, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, that is provided within Appendix D.

6. QUESTION: Are there any sites which you think should be developed for housing or business use, which we haven’t got on our map so far?

6.1 Yes, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton should be allocated for development and would be a sound allocation as part of the emerging Local Plan being brought forward by a housebuilder that has a good track record for delivery. Countryside is a leading national housebuilder and has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality mixed-tenure housing developments and award-winning places to live and are committed to delivering a landscape led development at Balsham Road, Linton.

6.2 The land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton is being promoted for a residential-led mixed use development which comprises an employment area. The proposals consist of up to 300 dwellings and a rural business centre of up to 1 hectare in size.

6.3 Having reviewed the settlement morphology, the area of proposed built form is now concentrated away from the northern boundary, thereby extending the village in such a way that respects the more sensitive landscape views in the northern part of the site.

6.4 The proposed development is focussed towards the south of the site which is the least visible from the surrounding landscape, and will comprise of up to 300 dwellings. To the east the site is well screened by the existing scrap yard and structural vegetation.

6.5 Medium to long distant views are available of only the northern parts of the site and as such these areas are proposed as open green space, in order to protect the character of the rolling Chalkland, as well as views of the listed Rivey Hill Water Tower, as a prominent feature on the horizon above Linton, as seen from the landscape to the south, which is identified in the Greater Cambridge Landscape Character Assessment.

6.6 The opportunity and constraints plan also allows provision for clear views to the water tower, along green corridors within the site. This will also help protect views of the water tower to the north. The aim of integrating the settlement with the rural landscape is also furthered by the inclusion of lower density housing towards the northern parts of the area proposed for development, forming an outward-facing, transitional porous settlement edge.

6.7 Structural vegetation is proposed along the western extents of the southern boundary, in order to provide a buffer between the proposed development and the existing housing to the south, as well as the western boundary in order to reinforce and strengthen the existing vegetated buffer to the bridleway. Further structural vegetation is proposed along the northern boundary, following the natural contours of the land form in order to soften the artificially straight line of the hedgerow that cuts across the landscape. Belts of structural 10 vegetation running broadly east/west more centrally within the site similarly follow the existing contours in order to soften the proposed development and integrate it within the surrounding rural landscape - see The Landscape and Visual Opportunities and Constraints plan (LN-LP-04 Rev A).

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This representation has been prepared by Strutt & Parker on behalf of Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd to support the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton as part of the Greater Cambridge First Proposals Consultation 2021.

1.2 In September 2021 Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service published the Greater Cambridge Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), which provided an initial assessment of the sites put forward for consideration for allocation as part of the Call for Sites consultations within Greater Cambridge.

1.3 This representation provides a response to the ‘First Proposals’ Preferred Options Consultation and has been structured to respond to relevant questions as set out within the First Proposals Consultation. In addition, a detailed assessment is provided in respect of the HELAA Proforma for the site.

1.4 The HELAA excludes the Balsham Road site from allocation primarily on the basis of landscape issues, notably that the proposed development “would have substantial and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts that would not be sufficiently mitigated by the proposed landscape treatments”.

1.5 The site was submitted as part of the Call for Sites for circa 300 dwellings and a rural business park. In response to the HELAA consultation, an updated Landscape Technical Note and Opportunities and Constraints Plan has been prepared by Barton Willmore to respond to the landscape and townscape comments regarding the sensitivity of the site. As a result, it is proposed to set development back from the northern boundary and provide key landscape corridors through the site. The site is considered to have capacity for the provision for up to 300 dwellings and up to 1 hectare of employment land. The Technical Note by Barton Wilmore on the landscape and visual impact has been provided within appendix A of this response.

1.6 The Opportunities and Constraints Plan demonstrates where the most and least sensitive areas within the site are. This has been produced in conjunction with the Technical Note on landscape and visual impact and the Council’s Landscape Character Assessment (2021). This has informed a reduced developable area. The revised scheme has been set back from the north, with clear landscape corridors, to allow clear landscape views to the Grade II Listed Water Tower to be fully maintained. The proposed development area represents a logical rounding off and extension to the large Minor Rural Centre of Linton which is a well-served village with a number of existing services and facilities.

1.7 Therefore, in view of the above, it is considered that several of the assessments criteria, particularly regarding the landscape impact should be re-categorised. It has been demonstrated in the supporting information provided that the allocation of this site would not have a significant adverse impact the landscape and townscape such that the site should be considered as a suitable, achievable and deliverable site for housing and should therefore be put forward for allocation in the emerging Local Plan. Further analysis of this is set out within section 7 of this report.

1.8 In support of this report, the following documents have been prepared; • Landscape and Visual Technical Advice Note – Barton Willmore; and • Opportunities and Constraints Plan – Barton Willmore.

1.9 In addition to the above documents, where relevant reference is also made to documents prepared and submitted previously as part of earlier rounds of consultation on the Local Plan.

2. QUESTION: Do you agree that we should plan for an extra 550 homes per year, so that housing keeps up pressure with increased jobs in our area?

2.1 We agree that it is very important that housing delivery keeps up for demand for increased jobs within the area.

2.2 As part of the preparation of the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan, the Shared Planning Service has identified a need for 2,321 dwellings to be built per year. A significant proportion of this growth is made up of existing allocations within the Local Plan.

2.3 The initial evidence base and spatial options assessment for the emerging Local Plan, set three growth options; ‘minimum’ (40,300 dwellings - based upon standard methodology); ‘medium’ (46,200 dwellings- based upon economic forecast based upon long term historic employment) and ‘maximum’ (67,700 dwellings – based upon fast economic growth in the recent past). In view of this, the housing delivery target of 44,400 new homes over the plan period alongside 58,500 new jobs would fall between the ‘minimum ‘and ‘medium’ growth scenarios previously suggested.

2.4 The Development Strategy Topic Paper, that accompanies this consultation acknowledges that the Greater Cambridge economy is dynamic and does not readily align with national or regional forecasts for job growth. In particular, it has a world-renowned life sciences cluster which has the potential to drive growth beyond typical regional or national rates. It is also acknowledged that in the recent past employment growth within the region has been significantly higher than predicted.

2.5 Accounting for the evidence set out within the Development Strategy Topic Paper, it is not clearly justified why only 44,400 new homes and 58,500 new jobs are proposed over the plan period. It is considered that this approach should be re-visited to increase both housing and employment allocations within the Local Plan. It is considered that the delivery of housing should be significantly increased, in line with the ‘maximum’ growth forecast, to align with economic growth within the recent past. The case for maximum growth forecast is further supported by significant transport investment within the area over the plan period. This includes schemes such as East-West Rail, Cambridge South Station and the delivery of a number of Rapid Transit Routes proposed by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

2.6 The provision for lower growth scenarios does also not appear to be consistent with the Government’s objectives for the Ox-Cam Arc as a focus for housing and employment growth with associated infrastructure

3. QUESTION: Do you agree that new development should mainly focus on sites where car travel, and therefore emissions, can be minimised?

3.1 Yes, in principle the proposal to focus development on sites where car travel can be minimised is supported. Consistent with this strategy, it is considered to be very important that some growth is delivered in the larger more sustainable villages that are located outside of the Green Belt, such as Linton. National policy is clear within paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where they will support local services. The updated NPPF (2021), also provides additional emphases on the suitability of providing significant extensions to villages, provided that they are well located and designed.

3.2 The CPIER report, which is referenced as a key document within the evidence base provides a detailed analysis regarding the potential benefits of focusing growth along key transport corridors. The proposed Cambridge South-East Transport Project (CSET), proposes significant sustainable transport improvements between Cambridge and Haverhill. This includes significantly improved public transport, including an off-road rapid transit bus route, along with significant cycleway improvements along the A1307, some of which have already been implemented. For ease of reference appendix D of this representation provides accessibility plans, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, which were previously submitted as part of the Issues and Options Consultation. The Accessibility Plans demonstrate the significant transport improvement measures within Linton and in between Linton and Cambridge.

3.3 In addition, Linton, benefits from being a sustainable settlement in its own right. As referred to within our previous representation at Issues and Options Stage (refer to Appendix C), Linton is the largest Minor Rural Service Centre (As defined within the adopted and emerging Local Plan) that is not situated within the Green Belt. It is also benefits from both primary and secondary education facilities and a large range of services, including shops, pubs, restaurants and community facilities.

3.4 Linton did also not receive any allocations within the 2018 Local Plan and therefore provision for additional growth as part of the Local Plan 2041 would be appropriate and assist with maintaining viability and vibrancy of the village by sustaining and enhancing rural services.

3.5 For the above reasons, it is considered that additional growth within Linton would be consistent with the objective of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel. Of the 6 sites submitted within Linton as part of the Call for Sites process, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, is considered to be a particularly sustainable and suitable site for residential development.

3.6 It is suggested that the provision for increasing the range of sites modestly to include smaller and medium sites in the rural area would provide significant benefits. For example, they could be delivered more quickly without requiring additional infrastructure, provide choice and flexibility in the housing market and secure affordable housing more immediately. This is a point recognised by the Inspector that examined the 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire as referenced within paragraph 31 of the report: “In order to arrive at a sound strategy, we consider that as a primary consideration, the Council would need to allocate more small and medium sized sites that could deliver homes in the short to medium term and help to bolster the 5-year HLS, until the Garden Communities begin to deliver housing. This would have the benefit of providing flexibility and choice in the market and the earlier provision of more affordable housing” (paragraph 114).

4. QUESTION: We feel that we should support the development of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with space for more healthcare facilities, research and housing. What housing, facilities or open spaces should be created around the campus?

4.1 We strongly agree that supporting the development and further expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus should be one of the key principles of the new Local Plan. To support this objective, it is imperative therefore that a proportion of new housing growth is located along sustainable transport corridors from the Biomedical Campus, to support the objective of the Local Plan outlined above (in section 3 of this statement), which seeks to minimise car travel.

4.2 It is also very important that the emerging Local Plan 2041 aligns housing and employment growth, with major transport schemes that are being promoted in and around Cambridge. The First Proposals provide a number of references to East-West Rail and the provision for Cambridge South Station, both of which are important new transport infrastructure projects. However, additional focus needs to be given the major infrastructure projects being promoted by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. Of particularly relevance to the Biomedical Campus expansion, is the Cambridge South East Rapid Transit Route (CSET), which is proposed to provide a rapid transit route from the Biomedical Campus to the market town of Haverhill, the majority of which will be provided as an off-road bus way route. It is considered important that substantial housing growth is provided to the south east of Cambridge along this rapid transit route, to ensure ease of access to the Biomedical Campus by sustainable transport means.

4.3 It is understood that the CSET Project has progressed significantly since the Issues and Options Consultation in 2020. It is understood that the Greater Cambridge Partnership are intending to submit a Transport for Works Order in early 2022. It is also an identified route within the current Local Transport Plan.

4.4 Linton is one of the largest settlements with South Cambridgeshire that will be served by the CSET route. Therefore, growth in this settlement would be consistent with one of the key objectives of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel by focusing growth on locations with good transport infrastructure. Linton is situated outside of the Green Belt and therefore it is considered that Linton should be the focus for growth ahead of settlements that lie within this designation such as Sawston.

5. QUESTION: What housing, jobs, facilities or open spaces do you think should be provided in and around these villages?

5.1 It is important that a range of housing, jobs and facilities are provided within larger villages as part of new allocations to allow them to thrive and remain vibrant. Countryside Properties are responsible for the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton and have a track record of delivering high quality housing developments, which provide a mix of dwellings and tenures to meet objectively assessed housing needs. Countryside Properties are fully committed, to engagement with the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service and Linton Parish Council regarding the mix and type of housing to be delivered on land to the north-west of Balsham Road. The proposals also include the provision for the delivery of a substantial area of public open space with associated landscaping and Countryside Properties are flexible on the proposed use of this open space.

5.2 The submission of the site, also includes the provision for a Rural Business Centre of up to 1 hectare in size. This Rural Business Centre has the ability to ensure that jobs are provided within the application site and to support smaller start-up businesses within the local area. This further strengthens the sustainability case for development of this site.

5.3 It should however be noted that Linton is strategically well located to provide housing growth in close proximity to large employment generators and jobs such as the Genome Campus, Granta Park, Haverhill, the Biomedical Campus as demonstrated by the attached accessibility plan, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, that is provided within Appendix D.

6. QUESTION: Are there any sites which you think should be developed for housing or business use, which we haven’t got on our map so far?

6.1 Yes, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton should be allocated for development and would be a sound allocation as part of the emerging Local Plan being brought forward by a housebuilder that has a good track record for delivery. Countryside is a leading national housebuilder and has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality mixed-tenure housing developments and award-winning places to live and are committed to delivering a landscape led development at Balsham Road, Linton.

6.2 The land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton is being promoted for a residential-led mixed use development which comprises an employment area. The proposals consist of up to 300 dwellings and a rural business centre of up to 1 hectare in size.

6.3 Having reviewed the settlement morphology, the area of proposed built form is now concentrated away from the northern boundary, thereby extending the village in such a way that respects the more sensitive landscape views in the northern part of the site.

6.4 The proposed development is focussed towards the south of the site which is the least visible from the surrounding landscape, and will comprise of up to 300 dwellings. To the east the site is well screened by the existing scrap yard and structural vegetation.

6.5 Medium to long distant views are available of only the northern parts of the site and as such these areas are proposed as open green space, in order to protect the character of the rolling Chalkland, as well as views of the listed Rivey Hill Water Tower, as a prominent feature on the horizon above Linton, as seen from the landscape to the south, which is identified in the Greater Cambridge Landscape Character Assessment.

6.6 The opportunity and constraints plan also allows provision for clear views to the water tower, along green corridors within the site. This will also help protect views of the water tower to the north. The aim of integrating the settlement with the rural landscape is also furthered by the inclusion of lower density housing towards the northern parts of the area proposed for development, forming an outward-facing, transitional porous settlement edge.

6.7 Structural vegetation is proposed along the western extents of the southern boundary, in order to provide a buffer between the proposed development and the existing housing to the south, as well as the western boundary in order to reinforce and strengthen the existing vegetated buffer to the bridleway. Further structural vegetation is proposed along the northern boundary, following the natural contours of the land form in order to soften the artificially straight line of the hedgerow that cuts across the landscape. Belts of structural 10 vegetation running broadly east/west more centrally within the site similarly follow the existing contours in order to soften the proposed development and integrate it within the surrounding rural landscape - see The Landscape and Visual Opportunities and Constraints plan (LN-LP-04 Rev A).

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This representation has been prepared by Strutt & Parker on behalf of Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd to support the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton as part of the Greater Cambridge First Proposals Consultation 2021.

1.2 In September 2021 Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service published the Greater Cambridge Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), which provided an initial assessment of the sites put forward for consideration for allocation as part of the Call for Sites consultations within Greater Cambridge.

1.3 This representation provides a response to the ‘First Proposals’ Preferred Options Consultation and has been structured to respond to relevant questions as set out within the First Proposals Consultation. In addition, a detailed assessment is provided in respect of the HELAA Proforma for the site.

1.4 The HELAA excludes the Balsham Road site from allocation primarily on the basis of landscape issues, notably that the proposed development “would have substantial and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts that would not be sufficiently mitigated by the proposed landscape treatments”.

1.5 The site was submitted as part of the Call for Sites for circa 300 dwellings and a rural business park. In response to the HELAA consultation, an updated Landscape Technical Note and Opportunities and Constraints Plan has been prepared by Barton Willmore to respond to the landscape and townscape comments regarding the sensitivity of the site. As a result, it is proposed to set development back from the northern boundary and provide key landscape corridors through the site. The site is considered to have capacity for the provision for up to 300 dwellings and up to 1 hectare of employment land. The Technical Note by Barton Wilmore on the landscape and visual impact has been provided within appendix A of this response.

1.6 The Opportunities and Constraints Plan demonstrates where the most and least sensitive areas within the site are. This has been produced in conjunction with the Technical Note on landscape and visual impact and the Council’s Landscape Character Assessment (2021). This has informed a reduced developable area. The revised scheme has been set back from the north, with clear landscape corridors, to allow clear landscape views to the Grade II Listed Water Tower to be fully maintained. The proposed development area represents a logical rounding off and extension to the large Minor Rural Centre of Linton which is a well-served village with a number of existing services and facilities.

1.7 Therefore, in view of the above, it is considered that several of the assessments criteria, particularly regarding the landscape impact should be re-categorised. It has been demonstrated in the supporting information provided that the allocation of this site would not have a significant adverse impact the landscape and townscape such that the site should be considered as a suitable, achievable and deliverable site for housing and should therefore be put forward for allocation in the emerging Local Plan. Further analysis of this is set out within section 7 of this report.

1.8 In support of this report, the following documents have been prepared; • Landscape and Visual Technical Advice Note – Barton Willmore; and • Opportunities and Constraints Plan – Barton Willmore.

1.9 In addition to the above documents, where relevant reference is also made to documents prepared and submitted previously as part of earlier rounds of consultation on the Local Plan.

2. QUESTION: Do you agree that we should plan for an extra 550 homes per year, so that housing keeps up pressure with increased jobs in our area?

2.1 We agree that it is very important that housing delivery keeps up for demand for increased jobs within the area.

2.2 As part of the preparation of the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan, the Shared Planning Service has identified a need for 2,321 dwellings to be built per year. A significant proportion of this growth is made up of existing allocations within the Local Plan.

2.3 The initial evidence base and spatial options assessment for the emerging Local Plan, set three growth options; ‘minimum’ (40,300 dwellings - based upon standard methodology); ‘medium’ (46,200 dwellings- based upon economic forecast based upon long term historic employment) and ‘maximum’ (67,700 dwellings – based upon fast economic growth in the recent past). In view of this, the housing delivery target of 44,400 new homes over the plan period alongside 58,500 new jobs would fall between the ‘minimum ‘and ‘medium’ growth scenarios previously suggested.

2.4 The Development Strategy Topic Paper, that accompanies this consultation acknowledges that the Greater Cambridge economy is dynamic and does not readily align with national or regional forecasts for job growth. In particular, it has a world-renowned life sciences cluster which has the potential to drive growth beyond typical regional or national rates. It is also acknowledged that in the recent past employment growth within the region has been significantly higher than predicted.

2.5 Accounting for the evidence set out within the Development Strategy Topic Paper, it is not clearly justified why only 44,400 new homes and 58,500 new jobs are proposed over the plan period. It is considered that this approach should be re-visited to increase both housing and employment allocations within the Local Plan. It is considered that the delivery of housing should be significantly increased, in line with the ‘maximum’ growth forecast, to align with economic growth within the recent past. The case for maximum growth forecast is further supported by significant transport investment within the area over the plan period. This includes schemes such as East-West Rail, Cambridge South Station and the delivery of a number of Rapid Transit Routes proposed by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

2.6 The provision for lower growth scenarios does also not appear to be consistent with the Government’s objectives for the Ox-Cam Arc as a focus for housing and employment growth with associated infrastructure

3. QUESTION: Do you agree that new development should mainly focus on sites where car travel, and therefore emissions, can be minimised?

3.1 Yes, in principle the proposal to focus development on sites where car travel can be minimised is supported. Consistent with this strategy, it is considered to be very important that some growth is delivered in the larger more sustainable villages that are located outside of the Green Belt, such as Linton. National policy is clear within paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where they will support local services. The updated NPPF (2021), also provides additional emphases on the suitability of providing significant extensions to villages, provided that they are well located and designed.

3.2 The CPIER report, which is referenced as a key document within the evidence base provides a detailed analysis regarding the potential benefits of focusing growth along key transport corridors. The proposed Cambridge South-East Transport Project (CSET), proposes significant sustainable transport improvements between Cambridge and Haverhill. This includes significantly improved public transport, including an off-road rapid transit bus route, along with significant cycleway improvements along the A1307, some of which have already been implemented. For ease of reference appendix D of this representation provides accessibility plans, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, which were previously submitted as part of the Issues and Options Consultation. The Accessibility Plans demonstrate the significant transport improvement measures within Linton and in between Linton and Cambridge.

3.3 In addition, Linton, benefits from being a sustainable settlement in its own right. As referred to within our previous representation at Issues and Options Stage (refer to Appendix C), Linton is the largest Minor Rural Service Centre (As defined within the adopted and emerging Local Plan) that is not situated within the Green Belt. It is also benefits from both primary and secondary education facilities and a large range of services, including shops, pubs, restaurants and community facilities.

3.4 Linton did also not receive any allocations within the 2018 Local Plan and therefore provision for additional growth as part of the Local Plan 2041 would be appropriate and assist with maintaining viability and vibrancy of the village by sustaining and enhancing rural services.

3.5 For the above reasons, it is considered that additional growth within Linton would be consistent with the objective of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel. Of the 6 sites submitted within Linton as part of the Call for Sites process, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, is considered to be a particularly sustainable and suitable site for residential development.

3.6 It is suggested that the provision for increasing the range of sites modestly to include smaller and medium sites in the rural area would provide significant benefits. For example, they could be delivered more quickly without requiring additional infrastructure, provide choice and flexibility in the housing market and secure affordable housing more immediately. This is a point recognised by the Inspector that examined the 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire as referenced within paragraph 31 of the report: “In order to arrive at a sound strategy, we consider that as a primary consideration, the Council would need to allocate more small and medium sized sites that could deliver homes in the short to medium term and help to bolster the 5-year HLS, until the Garden Communities begin to deliver housing. This would have the benefit of providing flexibility and choice in the market and the earlier provision of more affordable housing” (paragraph 114).

4. QUESTION: We feel that we should support the development of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with space for more healthcare facilities, research and housing. What housing, facilities or open spaces should be created around the campus?

4.1 We strongly agree that supporting the development and further expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus should be one of the key principles of the new Local Plan. To support this objective, it is imperative therefore that a proportion of new housing growth is located along sustainable transport corridors from the Biomedical Campus, to support the objective of the Local Plan outlined above (in section 3 of this statement), which seeks to minimise car travel.

4.2 It is also very important that the emerging Local Plan 2041 aligns housing and employment growth, with major transport schemes that are being promoted in and around Cambridge. The First Proposals provide a number of references to East-West Rail and the provision for Cambridge South Station, both of which are important new transport infrastructure projects. However, additional focus needs to be given the major infrastructure projects being promoted by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. Of particularly relevance to the Biomedical Campus expansion, is the Cambridge South East Rapid Transit Route (CSET), which is proposed to provide a rapid transit route from the Biomedical Campus to the market town of Haverhill, the majority of which will be provided as an off-road bus way route. It is considered important that substantial housing growth is provided to the south east of Cambridge along this rapid transit route, to ensure ease of access to the Biomedical Campus by sustainable transport means.

4.3 It is understood that the CSET Project has progressed significantly since the Issues and Options Consultation in 2020. It is understood that the Greater Cambridge Partnership are intending to submit a Transport for Works Order in early 2022. It is also an identified route within the current Local Transport Plan.

4.4 Linton is one of the largest settlements with South Cambridgeshire that will be served by the CSET route. Therefore, growth in this settlement would be consistent with one of the key objectives of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel by focusing growth on locations with good transport infrastructure. Linton is situated outside of the Green Belt and therefore it is considered that Linton should be the focus for growth ahead of settlements that lie within this designation such as Sawston.

5. QUESTION: What housing, jobs, facilities or open spaces do you think should be provided in and around these villages?

5.1 It is important that a range of housing, jobs and facilities are provided within larger villages as part of new allocations to allow them to thrive and remain vibrant. Countryside Properties are responsible for the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton and have a track record of delivering high quality housing developments, which provide a mix of dwellings and tenures to meet objectively assessed housing needs. Countryside Properties are fully committed, to engagement with the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service and Linton Parish Council regarding the mix and type of housing to be delivered on land to the north-west of Balsham Road. The proposals also include the provision for the delivery of a substantial area of public open space with associated landscaping and Countryside Properties are flexible on the proposed use of this open space.

5.2 The submission of the site, also includes the provision for a Rural Business Centre of up to 1 hectare in size. This Rural Business Centre has the ability to ensure that jobs are provided within the application site and to support smaller start-up businesses within the local area. This further strengthens the sustainability case for development of this site.

5.3 It should however be noted that Linton is strategically well located to provide housing growth in close proximity to large employment generators and jobs such as the Genome Campus, Granta Park, Haverhill, the Biomedical Campus as demonstrated by the attached accessibility plan, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, that is provided within Appendix D.

6. QUESTION: Are there any sites which you think should be developed for housing or business use, which we haven’t got on our map so far?

6.1 Yes, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton should be allocated for development and would be a sound allocation as part of the emerging Local Plan being brought forward by a housebuilder that has a good track record for delivery. Countryside is a leading national housebuilder and has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality mixed-tenure housing developments and award-winning places to live and are committed to delivering a landscape led development at Balsham Road, Linton.

6.2 The land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton is being promoted for a residential-led mixed use development which comprises an employment area. The proposals consist of up to 300 dwellings and a rural business centre of up to 1 hectare in size.

6.3 Having reviewed the settlement morphology, the area of proposed built form is now concentrated away from the northern boundary, thereby extending the village in such a way that respects the more sensitive landscape views in the northern part of the site.

6.4 The proposed development is focussed towards the south of the site which is the least visible from the surrounding landscape, and will comprise of up to 300 dwellings. To the east the site is well screened by the existing scrap yard and structural vegetation.

6.5 Medium to long distant views are available of only the northern parts of the site and as such these areas are proposed as open green space, in order to protect the character of the rolling Chalkland, as well as views of the listed Rivey Hill Water Tower, as a prominent feature on the horizon above Linton, as seen from the landscape to the south, which is identified in the Greater Cambridge Landscape Character Assessment.

6.6 The opportunity and constraints plan also allows provision for clear views to the water tower, along green corridors within the site. This will also help protect views of the water tower to the north. The aim of integrating the settlement with the rural landscape is also furthered by the inclusion of lower density housing towards the northern parts of the area proposed for development, forming an outward-facing, transitional porous settlement edge.

6.7 Structural vegetation is proposed along the western extents of the southern boundary, in order to provide a buffer between the proposed development and the existing housing to the south, as well as the western boundary in order to reinforce and strengthen the existing vegetated buffer to the bridleway. Further structural vegetation is proposed along the northern boundary, following the natural contours of the land form in order to soften the artificially straight line of the hedgerow that cuts across the landscape. Belts of structural 10 vegetation running broadly east/west more centrally within the site similarly follow the existing contours in order to soften the proposed development and integrate it within the surrounding rural landscape - see The Landscape and Visual Opportunities and Constraints plan (LN-LP-04 Rev A).

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This representation has been prepared by Strutt & Parker on behalf of Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd to support the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton as part of the Greater Cambridge First Proposals Consultation 2021.

1.2 In September 2021 Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service published the Greater Cambridge Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA), which provided an initial assessment of the sites put forward for consideration for allocation as part of the Call for Sites consultations within Greater Cambridge.

1.3 This representation provides a response to the ‘First Proposals’ Preferred Options Consultation and has been structured to respond to relevant questions as set out within the First Proposals Consultation. In addition, a detailed assessment is provided in respect of the HELAA Proforma for the site.

1.4 The HELAA excludes the Balsham Road site from allocation primarily on the basis of landscape issues, notably that the proposed development “would have substantial and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts that would not be sufficiently mitigated by the proposed landscape treatments”.

1.5 The site was submitted as part of the Call for Sites for circa 300 dwellings and a rural business park. In response to the HELAA consultation, an updated Landscape Technical Note and Opportunities and Constraints Plan has been prepared by Barton Willmore to respond to the landscape and townscape comments regarding the sensitivity of the site. As a result, it is proposed to set development back from the northern boundary and provide key landscape corridors through the site. The site is considered to have capacity for the provision for up to 300 dwellings and up to 1 hectare of employment land. The Technical Note by Barton Wilmore on the landscape and visual impact has been provided within appendix A of this response.

1.6 The Opportunities and Constraints Plan demonstrates where the most and least sensitive areas within the site are. This has been produced in conjunction with the Technical Note on landscape and visual impact and the Council’s Landscape Character Assessment (2021). This has informed a reduced developable area. The revised scheme has been set back from the north, with clear landscape corridors, to allow clear landscape views to the Grade II Listed Water Tower to be fully maintained. The proposed development area represents a logical rounding off and extension to the large Minor Rural Centre of Linton which is a well-served village with a number of existing services and facilities.

1.7 Therefore, in view of the above, it is considered that several of the assessments criteria, particularly regarding the landscape impact should be re-categorised. It has been demonstrated in the supporting information provided that the allocation of this site would not have a significant adverse impact the landscape and townscape such that the site should be considered as a suitable, achievable and deliverable site for housing and should therefore be put forward for allocation in the emerging Local Plan. Further analysis of this is set out within section 7 of this report.

1.8 In support of this report, the following documents have been prepared; • Landscape and Visual Technical Advice Note – Barton Willmore; and • Opportunities and Constraints Plan – Barton Willmore.

1.9 In addition to the above documents, where relevant reference is also made to documents prepared and submitted previously as part of earlier rounds of consultation on the Local Plan.

2. QUESTION: Do you agree that we should plan for an extra 550 homes per year, so that housing keeps up pressure with increased jobs in our area?

2.1 We agree that it is very important that housing delivery keeps up for demand for increased jobs within the area.

2.2 As part of the preparation of the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan, the Shared Planning Service has identified a need for 2,321 dwellings to be built per year. A significant proportion of this growth is made up of existing allocations within the Local Plan.

2.3 The initial evidence base and spatial options assessment for the emerging Local Plan, set three growth options; ‘minimum’ (40,300 dwellings - based upon standard methodology); ‘medium’ (46,200 dwellings- based upon economic forecast based upon long term historic employment) and ‘maximum’ (67,700 dwellings – based upon fast economic growth in the recent past). In view of this, the housing delivery target of 44,400 new homes over the plan period alongside 58,500 new jobs would fall between the ‘minimum ‘and ‘medium’ growth scenarios previously suggested.

2.4 The Development Strategy Topic Paper, that accompanies this consultation acknowledges that the Greater Cambridge economy is dynamic and does not readily align with national or regional forecasts for job growth. In particular, it has a world-renowned life sciences cluster which has the potential to drive growth beyond typical regional or national rates. It is also acknowledged that in the recent past employment growth within the region has been significantly higher than predicted.

2.5 Accounting for the evidence set out within the Development Strategy Topic Paper, it is not clearly justified why only 44,400 new homes and 58,500 new jobs are proposed over the plan period. It is considered that this approach should be re-visited to increase both housing and employment allocations within the Local Plan. It is considered that the delivery of housing should be significantly increased, in line with the ‘maximum’ growth forecast, to align with economic growth within the recent past. The case for maximum growth forecast is further supported by significant transport investment within the area over the plan period. This includes schemes such as East-West Rail, Cambridge South Station and the delivery of a number of Rapid Transit Routes proposed by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

2.6 The provision for lower growth scenarios does also not appear to be consistent with the Government’s objectives for the Ox-Cam Arc as a focus for housing and employment growth with associated infrastructure

3. QUESTION: Do you agree that new development should mainly focus on sites where car travel, and therefore emissions, can be minimised?

3.1 Yes, in principle the proposal to focus development on sites where car travel can be minimised is supported. Consistent with this strategy, it is considered to be very important that some growth is delivered in the larger more sustainable villages that are located outside of the Green Belt, such as Linton. National policy is clear within paragraph 79 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where they will support local services. The updated NPPF (2021), also provides additional emphases on the suitability of providing significant extensions to villages, provided that they are well located and designed.

3.2 The CPIER report, which is referenced as a key document within the evidence base provides a detailed analysis regarding the potential benefits of focusing growth along key transport corridors. The proposed Cambridge South-East Transport Project (CSET), proposes significant sustainable transport improvements between Cambridge and Haverhill. This includes significantly improved public transport, including an off-road rapid transit bus route, along with significant cycleway improvements along the A1307, some of which have already been implemented. For ease of reference appendix D of this representation provides accessibility plans, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, which were previously submitted as part of the Issues and Options Consultation. The Accessibility Plans demonstrate the significant transport improvement measures within Linton and in between Linton and Cambridge.

3.3 In addition, Linton, benefits from being a sustainable settlement in its own right. As referred to within our previous representation at Issues and Options Stage (refer to Appendix C), Linton is the largest Minor Rural Service Centre (As defined within the adopted and emerging Local Plan) that is not situated within the Green Belt. It is also benefits from both primary and secondary education facilities and a large range of services, including shops, pubs, restaurants and community facilities.

3.4 Linton did also not receive any allocations within the 2018 Local Plan and therefore provision for additional growth as part of the Local Plan 2041 would be appropriate and assist with maintaining viability and vibrancy of the village by sustaining and enhancing rural services.

3.5 For the above reasons, it is considered that additional growth within Linton would be consistent with the objective of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel. Of the 6 sites submitted within Linton as part of the Call for Sites process, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, is considered to be a particularly sustainable and suitable site for residential development.

3.6 It is suggested that the provision for increasing the range of sites modestly to include smaller and medium sites in the rural area would provide significant benefits. For example, they could be delivered more quickly without requiring additional infrastructure, provide choice and flexibility in the housing market and secure affordable housing more immediately. This is a point recognised by the Inspector that examined the 2018 Local Plan for South Cambridgeshire as referenced within paragraph 31 of the report: “In order to arrive at a sound strategy, we consider that as a primary consideration, the Council would need to allocate more small and medium sized sites that could deliver homes in the short to medium term and help to bolster the 5-year HLS, until the Garden Communities begin to deliver housing. This would have the benefit of providing flexibility and choice in the market and the earlier provision of more affordable housing” (paragraph 114).

4. QUESTION: We feel that we should support the development of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with space for more healthcare facilities, research and housing. What housing, facilities or open spaces should be created around the campus?

4.1 We strongly agree that supporting the development and further expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus should be one of the key principles of the new Local Plan. To support this objective, it is imperative therefore that a proportion of new housing growth is located along sustainable transport corridors from the Biomedical Campus, to support the objective of the Local Plan outlined above (in section 3 of this statement), which seeks to minimise car travel.

4.2 It is also very important that the emerging Local Plan 2041 aligns housing and employment growth, with major transport schemes that are being promoted in and around Cambridge. The First Proposals provide a number of references to East-West Rail and the provision for Cambridge South Station, both of which are important new transport infrastructure projects. However, additional focus needs to be given the major infrastructure projects being promoted by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. Of particularly relevance to the Biomedical Campus expansion, is the Cambridge South East Rapid Transit Route (CSET), which is proposed to provide a rapid transit route from the Biomedical Campus to the market town of Haverhill, the majority of which will be provided as an off-road bus way route. It is considered important that substantial housing growth is provided to the south east of Cambridge along this rapid transit route, to ensure ease of access to the Biomedical Campus by sustainable transport means.

4.3 It is understood that the CSET Project has progressed significantly since the Issues and Options Consultation in 2020. It is understood that the Greater Cambridge Partnership are intending to submit a Transport for Works Order in early 2022. It is also an identified route within the current Local Transport Plan.

4.4 Linton is one of the largest settlements with South Cambridgeshire that will be served by the CSET route. Therefore, growth in this settlement would be consistent with one of the key objectives of the Local Plan, which seeks to minimise car travel by focusing growth on locations with good transport infrastructure. Linton is situated outside of the Green Belt and therefore it is considered that Linton should be the focus for growth ahead of settlements that lie within this designation such as Sawston.

5. QUESTION: What housing, jobs, facilities or open spaces do you think should be provided in and around these villages?

5.1 It is important that a range of housing, jobs and facilities are provided within larger villages as part of new allocations to allow them to thrive and remain vibrant. Countryside Properties are responsible for the promotion of land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton and have a track record of delivering high quality housing developments, which provide a mix of dwellings and tenures to meet objectively assessed housing needs. Countryside Properties are fully committed, to engagement with the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service and Linton Parish Council regarding the mix and type of housing to be delivered on land to the north-west of Balsham Road. The proposals also include the provision for the delivery of a substantial area of public open space with associated landscaping and Countryside Properties are flexible on the proposed use of this open space.

5.2 The submission of the site, also includes the provision for a Rural Business Centre of up to 1 hectare in size. This Rural Business Centre has the ability to ensure that jobs are provided within the application site and to support smaller start-up businesses within the local area. This further strengthens the sustainability case for development of this site.

5.3 It should however be noted that Linton is strategically well located to provide housing growth in close proximity to large employment generators and jobs such as the Genome Campus, Granta Park, Haverhill, the Biomedical Campus as demonstrated by the attached accessibility plan, prepared by Richard Jackson Partnership, that is provided within Appendix D.

6. QUESTION: Are there any sites which you think should be developed for housing or business use, which we haven’t got on our map so far?

6.1 Yes, land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton should be allocated for development and would be a sound allocation as part of the emerging Local Plan being brought forward by a housebuilder that has a good track record for delivery. Countryside is a leading national housebuilder and has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality mixed-tenure housing developments and award-winning places to live and are committed to delivering a landscape led development at Balsham Road, Linton.

6.2 The land to the north-west of Balsham Road, Linton is being promoted for a residential-led mixed use development which comprises an employment area. The proposals consist of up to 300 dwellings and a rural business centre of up to 1 hectare in size.

6.3 Having reviewed the settlement morphology, the area of proposed built form is now concentrated away from the northern boundary, thereby extending the village in such a way that respects the more sensitive landscape views in the northern part of the site.

6.4 The proposed development is focussed towards the south of the site which is the least visible from the surrounding landscape, and will comprise of up to 300 dwellings. To the east the site is well screened by the existing scrap yard and structural vegetation.

6.5 Medium to long distant views are available of only the northern parts of the site and as such these areas are proposed as open green space, in order to protect the character of the rolling Chalkland, as well as views of the listed Rivey Hill Water Tower, as a prominent feature on the horizon above Linton, as seen from the landscape to the south, which is identified in the Greater Cambridge Landscape Character Assessment.

6.6 The opportunity and constraints plan also allows provision for clear views to the water tower, along green corridors within the site. This will also help protect views of the water tower to the north. The aim of integrating the settlement with the rural landscape is also furthered by the inclusion of lower density housing towards the northern parts of the area proposed for development, forming an outward-facing, transitional porous settlement edge.

6.7 Structural vegetation is proposed along the western extents of the southern boundary, in order to provide a buffer between the proposed development and the existing housing to the south, as well as the western boundary in order to reinforce and strengthen the existing vegetated buffer to the bridleway. Further structural vegetation is proposed along the northern boundary, following the natural contours of the land form in order to soften the artificially straight line of the hedgerow that cuts across the landscape. Belts of structural 10 vegetation running broadly east/west more centrally within the site similarly follow the existing contours in order to soften the proposed development and integrate it within the surrounding rural landscape - see The Landscape and Visual Opportunities and Constraints plan (LN-LP-04 Rev A).