Policy H/HD: Housing density

National planning policy requires plans to support making efficient use of land. Land is a scarce resource and should be used effectively and appropriately whilst being sensitive to local character.  It also highlights that city and town centres and other locations that are well served by public transport provide opportunities for higher densities, promoting sustainable travel modes that limit future car use. A design led approach, supported by site or area specific design codes provides the best opportunity to achieve these goals.

The First Conversation demonstrated support for the principle of building to higher densities in Cambridge to achieve more sustainable development and meet demand for city living. Some considered that the approach to density should not be overly prescriptive, and should provide flexibility to respond to site opportunities. Others highlighted the importance of considering the importance of landscape and townscape, including the historic environment.

1. Not including a density policy - Not considered a reasonable alternative because this would limit the scope to ensure land is used effectively.

2. Applying a blanket density across the whole plan area - Not considered a reasonable alternative as this does not reflect the range of settlements, and their differing characteristics, within

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

. Including a higher density requirement for the whole of

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

was discounted as this could encourage over-development.

3. Applying different target or guide density levels to different settlement categories in

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

– not considered a reasonable alternative as within settlements, accessibility varies depending on location, and local conditions present a range of opportunities and constraints on site capacity. Well-designed places would not be delivered through application of density levels that do not take account of site characteristics.  

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

  : Topic paper 7: Homes
• National Design Guide and Model

  A set of illustrated design requirements that provide specific, detailed parameters for the physical development of a site or area. The graphic and written components of the code should build upon a design vision, such as a masterplan or other design and development framework for a site or area.

South Cambridgeshire

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018

• Policy H/8: Housing Density

Cambridge

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018 - None

Our consultation for this phase is now closed.