The HBF submitted brief comments in relation to the content of the South Cambridgeshire Draft Economic Strategy.
Brief comments follow on behalf of the House Builders Federation in relation to some of the questions posed:
Should employment be given preference over housing on village brownfield sites?
- The Federation would be concerned if the local authority were to choose to operate such a policy on a wide basis. There are heavy pressures (including from the Government) to deliver greater numbers of housing. Any obstacles that might reduce the number of new dwellings being provided should be avoided at all costs. Indeed, Cambridgeshire County Council is investing considerable time and resources in order to ensure that the numbers of dwellings specified in its Structure Plan are delivered on time by the Cambridgeshire Districts.
SCDC will continue to ensure that strategic sites are made available for appropriate employment development. This will include the new town proposed in the Draft Structure Plan, which is likely to be based on the old Oakington Airfield.
- The HBF welcomes the Councils commitment to bringing forward this important Structure Plan allocation.
SCDC will operate policies to ensure an adequate level of affordable housing.
- The HBF will expect that such policies fully comply with the content of its Adopted Local Plan and also with the governments Circulars 1/97 and 6/98.
For further information please contact HBF Eastern Regional Planner: Paul Cronk on 0207 608 5114 or at paul.cronk@hbf.co.uk