Issue - meetings

Stephen Kelly- Director of Planning and Economic Development

The Committee received a presentation from the Director of Planning and Economic Development on the Cambridge North Fringe East (CNFE) development.

The presentation outlined:

     i.        The site provided a substantial opportunity to deliver growth.

    ii.        In 2014 work began on the CNFE Area Action Plan this proposed moving the Water Treatment Works to free up space in the area.

   iii.        Grants were now available from the Housing Infrastructure Fund. The City Council has submitted a joint bid with South Cambridgeshire District Council through the Combined Authority for £193 million to fund moving the sewage works. A response to the bid should be received early in 2018.

  iv.        If funding was successfully secured the planning process would undergo lots of consultation and public engagement.

A member of the public made the following comment in response to the presentation:

1.   Claire King asked what the aspiration and viability for affordable housing on the site was. Queried at what stage they would be undertaking a viability assessment.

The Director of Planning and Economic Development stated that historically Cambridge had achieved higher level of affordable housing outcomes than many other boroughs. They were committed to review the Supplementary Planning Document and S106 to create a more transparent process in the coming year.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the presentation:

     i.        Asked if they were working alongside the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) in order to tie in with their plans for Milton Road.

    ii.        Affirmed that if anything could be done to provide an alternative road route out of the detached area of Fen Road as part of the CNFE development, Members would be fully supportive

In response to Members questions the Director of Planning and Economic Development responded:

     i.        Confirmed that his team were working closely with GCP, all the future developments were related to growth in respect of the Local Plan. The plans and transport infrastructure for CNFE would be mindful of the strategy being undertaken more widely by GCP.