What We Think
Find out more about Cambridgeshire Horizons' opinions on the following topical issues:
Economic downturn
The economic downturn is an issue that is hitting the whole of the UK hard, and whilst Cambridgeshire is slightly buffered by its impact due to higher than average levels of employment and income, it is still adversely affected by the current economic climate.
Whilst the housing market is facing a tough time, the underlying need for more new homes, in particular affordable new homes, is still pressing. Therefore, we are looking at ways in which to keep the major development sites around the county moving forward.
Innovative funding of projects could be one solution. By providing funding for community facilities and services at the start of a project, developers would be able to concentrate on building houses to bring in much needed funds, at the same time as delivering early community facilities. What is also worth bearing in mind is the longevity of the major development sites.
We anticipate the slowdown will continue for many months to come, but in the long-term the economic and housing markets will recover and indeed flourish again.
Sustainability
Creating sustainable new communities is the greatest challenge we face as an organisation and, arguably, as a county. Sustainability goes beyond environmental concerns; it also considers the sustainability of the community as an entity.
Part of a sustainable approach to developing new communities is to ensure there is a good range of community facilities from the early stages of development. This will provide early residents with places to meet; creating an environment that allows cohesive communities to form.
By having a good range of facilities within a community it also limits the need for people to get into their car to buy some milk, go to the doctors, or access leisure and sports facilities.
Green spaces make a development more attractive, they also act as places for communities to meet and have a positive environmental impact. Linking these green spaces to footpaths, cycleways and the surrounding countryside create a sense of space and openness, as well as promoting a sense of well being.
Integrating renewable energy solutions is also a key target for all major new developments. We are working hard to support the development of renewable energy plans for Northstowe to create a true prototype eco-town.
All developments will also seek to reduce energy, water, and waste consumption, and will employ sustainable construction methods to reduce their impact on the environment.
Affordable Housing
There is currently not enough affordable housing available for those who need it in Cambridgeshire. The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) shows that 15% of homes are socially rented, and whilst overall housing stock has increased by 5% in the past five years, social housing has increased by just 0.3% in the same period. Meanwhile the number of households waiting for these homes rose from 15,000 to almost 21,000 in the Cambridge housing sub-region.
New developments will go a long way towards improving the level of affordable housing available locally. Many major new developments are planning to accommodate up to 40% affordable housing, which could include a combination of tenures including socially rented and shared-equity properties. Exact levels will be determined by the individual Local Authority.
Transport and Transport Innovation Fund (TIF)
Our analysis shows there is insufficient funding identified currently to pay for all the infrastructure required to support 73,300 new homes. Transport represents over half of the total estimated funding required for growth, and transport improvements are vital to allow developments to take place sustainably.
The Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) represents an opportunity for Cambridgeshire to access hundreds of millions of pounds in upfront additional funding and could create ongoing revenue for transport investment going forward, whilst also creating a new tool to manage demand. Government has made clear that this can only happen if a decision is made to implement congestion charging, although the investment in infrastructure could come before any charge was introduced.
We therefore welcome the news that Cambridgeshire County Council members have today voted in favour of submitting a bid for Transport Innovation Fund monies based on the recommendations made by the Transport Commission. The likely rapid growth of Cambridgeshire will undoubtedly increase pressures on already congested transport routes, therefore the ability to bid for up to £500 million worth of investment in local transport improvements will help to provide much-needed transport solutions for the growing local population.
Read more about Transport and TIF here.
The Busway
Cambridgeshire County Council is in the process of building the longest guided busway in the world. When it opens The Busway will provide a reliable, fast and frequent service, a genuine public transport alternative to driving in to Cambridge on the busy A14.
The Busway will link Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge and will include two new Park & Ride sites.
Green Infrastructure
To create sustainable new communities every aspect of the local environment must be considered. Green spaces are vital to the quality of life of both new and existing residents in Cambridgeshire, which is why Cambridgeshire Horizons has helped create a Green Vision for the County.
The Cambridgeshire Green Vision, a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the Cambridge Sub-region, is a 20-year masterplan to enhance the natural environment for both residents and wildlife. In 2009, Cambridgeshire Horizons will be working to update this vision to cover the entire county, and will take the time to review its plans and review progress to date.