The Greater Cambridge planning authority recently published the results of their “call for sites” for possible inclusion in the next local plan. This can be seen at:
There are four sites of relevance to Shepreth. This is early stage stuff and subject to all sorts of consultation and planning approval, but gives an idea of what is coming down the track. It is worth bearing in mind that Shepreth is currently ranked as an “infill” village by the current plan, with development limited to 2 or exceptionally 8 dwellings. The plan goes on to say: “development on any scale [in the infill villages] would be unsustainable”. As a baseline, Shepreth parish has an area of 1318 acres, a population of 768 (2011 census) and, assuming a UK mean of 2.3 people per household, an estimated 334 dwellings.
The first site is 59 acres between the High Street and Meldreth Road, going out to the church. Currently agricultural, with up to 240 dwellings proposed. At a UK mean of 2.3 people per dwelling, that implies an increase in the size of Shepreth of 72%. According to the accompanying propaganda, the development will “knit into the fabric of the existing settlement”. The effect on roads, schools, infrastructure etc is unclear.
The second site is 188 acres at Docwra’s Farm on Barrington Road. Currently agricultural, owned by the County Council, proposes 2300 dwellings, an increase of 789%. Curiously, this is referenced in the first site above, with the two forming the “Shepreth Growth Arc” which concretes over the entire west side of the village and would increase its size by 861% . Somewhat surprisingly, the accompanying documents say the development constitutes “a sustainable urban extension to Shepreth”. My own view is that 861% is more a tsunami than an extension.
There is an undoubted housing need, especially for affordable housing. Shepreth, along with the other communities, will need to play its part. The response is surely to make sure that any new development addresses critical community concerns: rural setting, affordable housing, safe roads, schools, shops, health provision, sewage, water (see Friends of the Shep) to name but a few, and to enshrine these into the new local plan. New development should enhance the existing community and its facilities and not overwhelm them.
Thoughts on the remaining sites to follow in due course.
The Grumpy Emeritus Bursar 