Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Support

Representation ID: 55965

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

The comprehensive approach towards development and regeneration at North East Cambridge
is broadly supported. Policy 1 expects the criteria in Policy 23 (Comprehensive and Coordinated
Development) to be addressed for development proposals. It is noted that Policy 23 requires
applications for major development to successfully integrate with the surrounding area. However,
as set out in the response to Policy 9, it is noted that the development parcel that includes the
Barr Tech site is proposed for buildings of 4 to 5 storeys and maximum of 6 storeys, when taller
buildings are proposed for adjacent development parcels. It is requested that similar building
heights are specified for the development parcel that includes the Barr Tech site as those for
adjacent parcels, in order to deliver a comprehensive and coordinated approach to development.

Support

Representation ID: 55966

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

The aspiration for development at North East Cambridge to provide distinctive, high quality and
contemporary design is broadly supported. A De Simone Investments Ltd has an option on the
site occupied by Barr Tech and would deliver the redevelopment of this site. The design criteria
identified in Policy 6a are supported, and could be achieved for the redevelopment of the site.

Support

Representation ID: 55967

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

Policy 6b identifies general criteria for the design of mixed-use buildings, all of which are
supported. The criteria requiring the design and construction of buildings to be adaptable and
flexible is particularly supported. As set out in the responses to Policies 12a, 13a and 13f, the
redevelopment of the Barr Tech site could accommodate a more flexible mix of uses including
short term serviced accommodation.

Support

Representation ID: 55968

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

The aspiration to create high quality, inclusive and attractive streets and spaces within North East
Cambridge is broadly supported.

Support

Representation ID: 55969

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

Policy 8 expects major new development to provide for open space and recreation facilities.
Figure 19 shows a linear park along the frontage of Cowley Road, which includes the proposed
development parcel where the Barr Tech site is located. The delivery of open space and
recreation facilities in North East Cambridge is broadly supported because it contributes towards
high quality spaces and meets health and wellbeing needs.

Support

Representation ID: 55970

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

Figure 21 shows proposed building heights and Figure 23 shows proposed densities for the
different development parcels within the AAP area. The development parcel that includes the
Barr Tech site indicates building heights of 4 to 5 storeys and a maximum of 6 storeys, and a
density of 225 dwellings per hectare. In contrast the adjacent development parcels show taller
building heights and higher densities, but there is no evidence provided to explain the differing
building heights or densities. For example, the development parcels to the west, north and south
show building heights of between 5 to 6 storeys and 6 to 8 storeys (maximums of 8 to 10 storeys)
and densities of between 260 and 300 dwellings per hectare. It is requested that the building
heights and densities for the development parcel that includes the Barr Tech site are increased to
be consistent with adjacent parcels; a building height of 6 to 8 storeys and a density of 300
dwellings per hectare would be appropriate. The development parcel that includes the Barr Tech
site is located within close proximity to a proposed mobility hub, it would be accessible by
walking, cycling and public transport including Cambridge Guided Busway and Cambridge North
Station, and it would be well related to the proposed District Centre. The location and future
accessibility of the Barr Tech site supports additional development at this parcel in the form of
taller buildings.

Support

Representation ID: 55971

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

Figure 24 shows the proposed location of new centres for North East Cambridge, which includes
a new District Centre on Cowley Road which would be located opposite the development parcel
that includes the Barr Tech site. The location and mix of uses included within the proposed
District Centre are supported.

Support

Representation ID: 55972

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

Policy 11 sets out the housing design standards for residential development within North East
Cambridge. Those standards are supported and can be met for the proposed redevelopment of
the existing Barr Tech site.

Support

Representation ID: 55973

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

The proposed development parcel containing the Barr Tech site is identified for business (B1)
and housing uses. Policy 12a sets out the approach to the delivery of business uses in North
East Cambridge. It is noted that Policy 12a proposes a flexible approach including for business
types and sizes, other types of uses to provide an appropriate mix, and adaptable buildings that
can be reused for other uses. It is considered that this flexible approach is appropriate at this
stage because it is likely that market demand and economics for different types of uses will
change during the lifetime of AAP. The redevelopment of the Barr Tech site could accommodate
a more flexible mix of uses including business, housing and short term serviced accommodation.
This mix of uses would be consistent with the proposed mix of uses for the Cambridge Business
Park area as defined in Policy 12a.

Support

Representation ID: 55974

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

Policy 13a seeks to deliver a mix of housing types and tenures across North East Cambridge,
including housing in the Cambridge Business Park area which is where the Barr Tech site is
located. The housing strategy is broadly supported. The redevelopment of the Barr Tech site
would include a mix of housing types and tenures alongside business (B1) uses, and could
include short term serviced accommodation because of its close proximity to proposed business,
community and retail uses and its proposed accessibility by sustainable modes of transport.