What will this policy do?
This policy will set out how the development of delivery hubs should be considered, and how development proposals should provide space for servicing, storage and deliveries.
Proposed policy direction
We propose to seek opportunities to reduce the number of freight and servicing vehicles and their environmental impact on , particularly at peak times, while promoting movement of freight by rail and sustainable transport modes.
We propose to support development/enhancement and safeguarding of local delivery hubs that help consolidate deliveries into Cambridge and reduce vehicle traffic, where they accord with other policies in the plan, provided they do not cause unacceptable impacts on Greater Cambridge’s strategic road networks, and:
- reduce road danger, noise and emissions from freight trips
- enable sustainable last-mile movements, including by cycle and electric vehicle
- deliver mode shift from road to rail where possible (without adversely impacting existing or planned passenger services).
We propose to require development to facilitate safe, clean, and efficient deliveries and servicing. Provision of adequate space for servicing, storage and deliveries should be made off-street, with on-street loading bays only used where this is not possible.
Why is this policy needed?
On-line shopping and services deliveries to business generate large amounts of vehicle movements. In cities like Cambridge this can add to vehicle congestion, and impact on the local environment. Local delivery hubs could provide opportunities for deliveries to be consolidated to reduce the number of trips, or transferred to other delivery modes such as electric bikes. This policy proposal explores how we could support delivery of these hubs.
What consultation have we done on this issue?
Respondents to the First Conversation saw freight and delivery consolidation as important to achieving net zero carbon and active travel ambitions. There was concern about the impacts of increasing Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) traffic. There was support for restricted deliveries in urban centres to low-traffic times, and using innovative measures such as using cargo cycles for local deliveries and the provision of cycling logistics depots.
What alternatives did we consider?
No policy – This is not the preferred approach due to the need to address the issue of how goods are distributed locally.
Supporting evidence studies and topic papers
- : Topic paper 8:
Existing policies in adopted 2018 Local Plans
South Cambridgeshire 2018:
- Policy TI/1: Chesterton Rail Station and Interchange
- Policy TI/2: Planning for Sustainable Travel
- Policy TI/3: Parking Provision
- Policy TI/4: Rail Freight and Interchanges
Cambridge Local Plan 2018
- Policy 81: Mitigating the transport impact of development
- Policy 82: Parking management
Tell us what you think
Our consultation for this phase is now closed.