Urban extensions in Cambridgeshire
Environmental development charity, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), has proposed urban extensions and further new settlements to accommodate unparalleled growth estimates in the East of England.
Opening the Examination in Public (EiP)3 session on the Cambridge sub-region, TCPA Director Gideon Amos said: 'The Cambridge phenomenon means unprecedented growth levels in this part of the country. Short-termism is not an option and we need to plan now if we are going to shape that development in the most sustainable way.'
The TCPA is calling for:
• a strategy that looks thirty years ahead (not just to 2021);
• an early review of the Regional Spatial Strategy - as soon as this current process has concluded;
• a specific strategy for the 'London Stansted Cambridge Peterborough' growth corridor; a strategy supporting the proposed urban extension at Harlow;
• consideration of the potential need for two further new settlements in the Cambridge sub region, in addition to current plans.
The TCPA points to emerging research being carried out at University College London that estimates Cambridgeshire's population will rise to 2.2 million by 2200. The charity believes that failure to act could slam the brakes on the knowledge economy which is vital to the success of both Cambridge and UK plc.
Mr Amos continued: 'A portfolio of solutions is needed to house the thousands of families being drawn to good jobs in this vibrant technology cluster but who are priced out of the housing market. Without proper long term planning, the housing shortages experienced most severely by those at the bottom of the housing ladder will simply get worse. We need concentrated development, sustainably planned and constructed in new or extended towns if we are to halt the alternative of unplanned sprawl.'
Graeme Bell, also representing the TCPA at the EiP into the draft East of England Regional Spatial Strategy, added: 'The corridor which runs from London, through Stansted and Cambridge up to Peterborough is already experiencing strong growth pressures which are bound to intensify. The area needs a spatial strategy of its own to sit alongside the strategies authorised by Government for Milton Keynes/South Midlands and the Thames Gateway. The Panel is left to draft a strategy by default.'
The TCPA points out that the most effective way to fund social, community and other infrastructure is to concentrate development in urban extensions and new settlements. 'When it comes to infrastructure, the East of England is running on empty,' added Graeme Bell. 'If we invest in facilities and transportation we will get the payback. It's a no-brainer.'
Calling for a speedy review of the Cambridge sub-region strategy, the TCPA considers the need for a new town south of Cambridge and a cluster of developments to create a new town north of the city should be urgently examined, in addition to the proposals already in the frame. The Association believes the EiP represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get the plan right for the region and for the benefit of Britain.
