Decision details

Matter for Decision:

This decision relates to specific delegations to the Executive Member for Planning Policy & Transport endorsed by Planning & Transport Scrutiny Committee on 28th September 2021. 

The recommendation relating to this item was as follows:

1.      To agree a joint response with South Cambridgeshire District Council to the Government’s Creating a Vision Oxford-Cambridge Arc Consultation as set out in Appendix 1.

       The purpose of this decision is to approve the final response to the Government’s Creating a Vision for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc (Spatial Framework) Consultation

        A copy of the report considered by the Planning and Transport Committee on 28th September and all associated documents can be viewed at the link below:

Agenda for Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 28th September, 2021, 5.30 pm - Cambridge Council

The response has now also been considered by South Cambridgeshire Cabinet, and the response attached is proposed to be joint.

This decision seeks to finalise the response for submission to government. The response considered by the scrutiny committee and no amendments or refinements were made. However there were a number of questions originally omitted from the report which are now included and detailed below;

·      Homes in your area (Section 5.3 under Placemaking).

·      Question: Ensuring the right types of housing are delivered in the right locations to meet the needs of both renters and buyers. For example, family houses, first-time buyers, specialist housing, student accommodation and opportunities for people to build their own homes. [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important] 4. Increasing the amount and availability of affordable homes within the Arc

·      Answer: Very Important

·      Question 8 in the Sustainability Appraisal

·      Question 1: To what extent do you agree with the key strategic issues and opportunities in the proposed scope for the Sustainability Appraisal of the Spatial Framework?

·      Answer: Strongly agree

·      Question 2: Are there any other strategic issues and/or opportunities that need to be considered in the appraisal?

·      Answer: Not enough detail at this stage to provide comment we would urge the Vision to align and consider all issues identified in out own SA which is detailed here. Greater Cambridge Local Plan: First Proposals (greatercambridgeplanning.org)

·      3. Are you aware of any additional strategic data that we should take into account as part of the sustainability appraisal?

·      Answer: Not enough detail at this stage to provide comment we would urge the Vision to align and consider all issues identified in out own SA which is detailed here. Greater Cambridge Local Plan: First Proposals (greatercambridgeplanning.org)

·      Question 4: Are you aware of any additional plans or programmes you think will be important to consider within the sustainability appraisal?

·      Answer: Not enough detail at this stage to provide comment we would urge the Vision to align and consider all issues identified in out own SA which is detailed here. Greater Cambridge Local Plan: First Proposals (greatercambridgeplanning.org)

·      Question 5: To what extent do you agree with our approach to the Sustainability Appraisal?

·      Answer: Neutral

The response has also been considered by South Cambridgeshire Cabinet, and the response attached is proposed to be joint.

Why the decision had to be made (and any alternative options):

The consultation raises important issues that the council wishes to respond to. The decision seeks to formalise the response, following debate at the Planning & Transport Scrutiny committee.

The Executive Councillor’s decision(s):

To approve the proposed responses to additional questions for the Creating a Vision for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc (Spatial Framework) Consultation, as set out in the documents appended to this decision which can be viewed at the following link:

Agenda for Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 28th September 2021, 5.30 pm - Cambridge Council

Reasons for the decision:

Outlined in the report why the decision had been made

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Scrutiny consideration:

The Chair and Spokesperson of Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.

Report:

Member Consultation Paper.

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Conflicts of interest:

None known.

Comments:

No adverse comments were made.