Michael Gove’s idea for tripling the size of Cambridge illustrates the need for a national strategic and spatial plan for England. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) initiative lacks a wider context. Local experts whilst sympathetic say it cannot be delivered.
The three previous posts (9, 11 and 14 July) address the muddled political thinking which lies behind Michael Gove’s radical but welcome blue print to treble the size of Cambridge in 20 years. It is not a surprise the vision has caught the attention of some experienced local spatial experts. UK Property Forums, (news editor, Conway-Barrett; 14 July) tells us one experienced planning expert (Colin Brown of Carter Jonas) says “To deliver an additional 250,000 homes …….by 2040 is however ambitious in the extreme, and would mean development proceeding at a wholly unprecedented rate.. To my mind delivery of anything even. approaching that level of ambition would require a development corporation with wide planning and land assembly powers , ……I do not doubt the potential of Cambridgeshire to work towards this considerable ambition, but a strategic approach is imperative to delivering growth effectively …..”.
Philip. Woolner of Cheffins points out “There is no doubt that demand in Cambridge is hugh, for both housing and for commercial property. However it appears that Mr Gove has somewhat shot from the hip with this announcement, with little detail on how, why and when the government intends to start this.plan and whether it will form part a larger overarching industrial strategy for the nation. It is clear recognition, however , of the importance of Cambridge and the surrounding region to the UK economy, but without a wider context , it does seem to be putting a lot of eggs in one basket”.
The reactions to Cambridge 2040, from the local MP at one end spectrum saying loud and clear he will oppose the idea, to technical and market experts at another level supporting the idea of large scale growth whilst pointing out it cannot happen in isolation raises worrying questions about Mr Gove and his department. When will he grasp the. nettle? You.cannot have growth or spatial change without.local support. But this needs a national strategic and spatial plan for all the growth areas.
Ian Campbell
21 JULY 2023
