If you would like to ask a question or make a statement, then please refer to the
Document called Public Speaking Scheme (Physical Meetings)
and contact the Scrutiny and Governance Adviser in Democratic Services by no later than 11.59pm on Friday 6 January 2023.
Jennie Conroy will ask the following question and supplement:
Question
The GCP Integrated Water Management Study informing the Development Strategy Spatial Options Report Nov 2020 identified that in the case of water supply, over-abstraction of the chalk aquifer is having a detrimental impact on environmental conditions, particularly during dry years and that even without any growth, significant environmental improvements are unlikely to be achievable until major new water supply infrastructure is operational (5.2.25).
Given that AW do not anticipate even their interim measure of transporting water into the region much before 2030 how then can the existing commitments in the Local Plan to 2031 be fulfilled ahead of any further plans for development amongst the key strategic sites identified to take forward in the Development Strategy Update?
Supplementary Question.
Given the sustainable transport initiatives underway led by GCP and the recent announcement in the government’s autumn statement confirming East West Rail, would it not be prudent at this time to include the extension of Cambourne as one of the key strategic sites forming the ‘central building blocks’ of any future strategy for development as identified in the Development Strategy Update and at least quantify the potential allocation of housing numbers that have yet to be specified?
Mr. Daniel Fulton (Fews Lane Consortium) will make a statement about the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.
Minutes:
Jennie Conroy asked the following question
“The GCP [Greater Cambridge Partnership] Integrated Water Management Study informing the Development Strategy Spatial Options Report Nov 2020 identified that in the case of water supply, over-abstraction of the chalk aquifer is having a detrimental impact on environmental conditions, particularly during dry years and that even without any growth, significant environmental improvements are unlikely to be achievable until major new water supply infrastructure is operational (5.2.25).
Given that AW do not anticipate even their interim measure of transporting water into the region much before 2030 how then can the existing commitments in the Local Plan to 2031 be fulfilled ahead of any further plans for development amongst the key strategic sites identified to take forward in the Development Strategy Update?”
and supplementary question
“Given the sustainable transport initiatives underway led by GCP and the recent announcement in the government’s autumn statement confirming East West Rail, would it not be prudent at this time to include the extension of Cambourne as one of the key strategic sites forming the ‘central building blocks’ of any future strategy for development as identified in the Development Strategy Update and at least quantify the potential allocation of housing numbers that have yet to be specified?”
Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins (Lead Cabinet Member for Planning) was on extended leave of absence. In her place, Councillor Henry Batchelor (Lead Cabinet Member for Environment) gave the following answer to the first question
“Water Resources East and Cambridge Water are planning a range of measures that address both water supply and demand to seek to achieve abstraction reductions to protect the environment whist also accommodating development needs. We are engaging with the water companies and the Environment Agency as consultees in relation to planning for committed development. Planning permissions that have been granted will continue to be implemented and we have been advised that the demand from these permissions is factored into the emerging water resources management plan of Cambridge Water being considered by the EA and DEFRA at the present time prior to publication. We expect to consider that plan further once it has been published for consultation.
In terms of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan and the report on this agenda, we will not confirm a full strategy, including reconfirming delivery timings for existing commitments, until such a point as we have clarity on water supply, as set out in the Development Strategy Update at paragraph 3.11: “Further detail on the quantum of water supply and how that relates to housing and non-domestic growth will be provided in the Water Company WRMPs. These were due to be published around the same time as the Regional Plan but have been delayed. Until such time as they are published and we are able to analyse the detailed proposals it is not clear how water supply will compare with current commitments, the First Proposals growth levels, or the new increased needs for jobs and homes.”
To the supplementary question, Councillor Henry Batchelor responded thus:
“North East Cambridge, Cambridge East and Cambridge Biomedical Campus are confirmed as central building blocks’ of any future strategy for development drawing on their unique features: the Development Strategy Update identifies North East Cambridge and Cambridge East as the first and second most sustainable locations for strategic scale development available within Greater Cambridge; Cambridge Biomedical Campus is an important location for the City, of national and international importance for health, life-sciences and biotechnology. The Strategy topic paper supporting the Development Strategy Update at para 2.71 identifies that there are no other strategic sites available for development in these broad spatial locations.
Noting the uncertainties set out in the Development Strategy Update including in relation to water supply, the Councils have not ruled any other sites, including Cambourne, either in or out of the strategy at this point. The Development Strategy Update is clear at 4.4 that the Councils will “define … appropriate housing and employment targets, having regard to all material factors including water supply and housing delivery” and, as may be appropriate, “will identify further sites beyond North East Cambridge, Cambridge East and Cambridge Biomedical Campus if needed to meet our identified targets… [and will] reach a view on the sites included in the First Proposals as a first step. East West Rail company have also not yet confirmed a clear alignment for the railway, and location for the proposed station at Cambourne. The Council does expect to renew its engagement with E-W rail during 2023 to understand these potential parameters, as well as delivery timescales and the potential role that the railway might play in the future spatial strategy.”
Daniel Fulton (Fews Lane Consortium) had been expected to make a statement but was not present either in person or by video link.