Draft minutes of the first Neighbourhood Plan – Monday
20th April 2015-at the Eco Hub
Attendance: Sarah Groom, Jackie McGeady , Kirstin Rayner, Alison Talkington (SCDC),
Nicole Kritzinger (SCDC), Cllr R Turner (Portfolio holder- Planning-SCDC) and 18 members
of the public.
1) Welcome and Introductions- Sarah Groom, Chair of Gamlingay Parish Council
SG welcomed residents to the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to hear about what
is a Neighbourhood Plan and to start our plan. SG asked whether there were any residents
representing village groups present? Mrs P Jenkins represented the Montessori School, Dr
B Carey represented GEAG, Cllr B Smith represented Forward Gamlingay! and GCC. Ltd,
and Mr. P.Gorton advised he represented The Parochial Church Council, Friends of St
Marys and GRA.
2) Introduction to Neighbourhood Plans- Alison Talkington-SCDC Planning Officer.
AT advised that SCDC have been working on a new Local Plan for the last 3 years, and the
emerging plan is currently being examined by an Independent Planning Inspector. The
Localism Act in 2012 identified that local communities can get involved and lead on
community initiatives which affect them. A Neighbourhood Plan is recognised as a Statutory
Plan- once it has been adopted it is an important document. The Plan can’t promote less
development than what’s in the Local Plan and it has to be broadly consistent with the SCDC
policies and the strategic policies in the plan. It can include shared vision for an area as well
as policies for improving areas, new facilities, new sites specific to the area, sites worthy of
protection. Neighbourhood Plan can’t designate Listed Buildings, or assets of community
value. If a Neighbourhood Plan is adopted – it has legal force and is part of the Statutory
Planning Framework. Once South Cambridgeshire District Council has introduced the
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) any village with an adopted neighbourhood plan will be
entitled to an extra 10% of this money from schemes within the neighbourhood area to
spend on projects within their village. Who can prepare a Neighbourhood Plan? Parish
Councils can –it needs to be a local community initiative. Documents need to pass an
examination, and then goes to referendum – LPA has duty to organise these not
responsibility of parish council. There are 140 pages of advice on referendum-. Parish
Council preparing a plan can get help from Locality in terms of funding- Locality offer help
and advice to groups- lots of web based information available. Grants of up to £8k available
for local communities.50 communities now have NP adopted- on line support available from
these community groups.
BS asked whether when SCDC and Cambridge City Council have to have a combined
planning policy unit in 2018-19 preparing a joint local plan whether we would have to redo a
N. Plan?
It takes about 2 years to do a NP. SCDC and CC have worked closely together for current
local plans and therefore unlikely to be major change in strategic policies when next single
combined local plan is prepared.

Cllr R Turner advised that SCDC would support the adopted NP . Unlikely to have to
carry out major review of NP.
B Carey- Can’t undo what is in the Local Plan-not sure about additional development but can
see advantages to consolidate conservation policies.
P Jenkins- How long is the plan valid for? SCDC plan is to 2031.-N Plans can be 10 years+.
R Lee-which Government in power- change to policy nationally? Localism is a good thing.
Local people get more of a say. It may change, but is unlikely in the short-medium term.
3) What can NP do and what can’t it do? (Exercise run by Rachel Lee and Daniel
Pullan)
Mrs R Lee introduced herself as a resident who works for ‘Living Streets’ and kindly
volunteered to run through what sorts of things you can and can’t achieve in a
Neighbourhood Plan. Some examples included:
-Quality of development – for example higher levels of renewable energy to deliver more
eco homes, passive solar technology etc
-Employment opportunities-increase more job opportunities for young people, reduce the
need to commute/travel by car- encourage transport by foot, bike, home working.
-traffic management/highways- looking at street design improvements
-The Plan puts policies on a statutory footing- more weight
Old Parish Plan- some work has been done already- design guidelines need updating- some
information on roof tiles/windows
Other powers also can be used- Right to Build for example further opportunities.
Local Enterprise Partnerships-may have resources to support business possibility of funding.
Support for cycling& walking- £100m identified-9% of budgets must be spent on cycling
2017/18.Importance of having shovel ready projects ready .
Health Trusts- can influence how resources are spent.
B. Carey stated that community needs to aspire to infrastructure delivery in order to seek
funds-if it is robustly supported and consulted upon with the community.
P.Gorton advised he firmly supported the plan. However he had reservations about the local
authority’s ability to enforce provisions against the developer- stated only 25% of affordable
housing was provided at Station Rd. BS advised that 40% had been secured. Concern
expressed about protection of field boundary hedge when Chapel field development was
built (1996).PG cynical of the local authority’s ability to enforce provisions.
M Collins advised that the plan did give ‘teeth’ as it is recognised as having Statutory power,
and the community should aspire to take responsibility for its future development.
RL- This plan does have more recognition and the LA will be able to take legal action to
enforce requirements laid out in it.
Cllr R Turner requested details of enforcement issue- responsible for enforcement at SCDC.
Cottenham High Street- can include requirements to protect street scene/shopping
environment by limiting change of use within specific locations as part of a Neighbourhood
Plan.
4) What are our Community Issues? Brainstorming session run by Mrs J McGeady
Attendees were asked to group into table to discuss what issues affect you in your area- for
10 minutes or so and then to feed back at the end of the session.
BS advised we had Economic Development expert from SCDC so one table would cover the
issues of industry, employment and issues currently affecting the village.
FeedbackEconomic Development- BS advised Green End proposed redevelopment – job retention
is important-need to create a balance of employment and housing. Some suitable sites on
periphery of village- more noisy activities where there are less neighbours. We need to keep
employment/businesses in the village-allow businesses to grow- need to expand or will
relocate elsewhere. Need to create sustainable employment sites for the long term. UB
Systems have relocated to Bedford- great loss to the village. Need to create affordable
business premises for local people-what type of units are needed needs further research.
Housing needs to cater for low paid workers and deliver local apprenticeships. Hot desk
opportunities- eco hub and corporate wing at Eco Hub-meeting place for business start- ups.
Broadband is the biggest single issue which restricts business development in the villagevery poor speed- this must come first. Proper transport links also key to village success.
Environment- BC identified broadband a priority locally for securing jobs in the village. Key
areas- are protecting agriculture and encouraging farmer’s roles in biodiversity. Housing
development- a strong feeling that with Green End and Station Rd the village is committed to
sustainable expansion and providing for housing need which will be enough for the village in
the next few years- improving the environment/facilities /infrastructure which is lacking
investment for the existing residents is main priority. Village should remain a villageexpansion not necessarily good, but building to a high environmental standards which are
enforceable. Appearance- local heritage assets and protecting the historical nature of the
settlement pattern is important. Also need to continue to reuse empty shops to sustain level
of services. Priority for transport- walking and cycling –the state of footpaths and walkways is
a disgrace- dangerous to cycle speeding traffic and narrow roads-Potton to Gamlingay a
problem. Horse riding bridleways and access to the countryside issues- limited bridleways in
the parish. Busses have got worse-no direct link to Cambridge. Bus service is regular but not
‘frequent’ trips to Sandy. Traffic- rat running an issue A1 to A421, also new link road a t
Biggleswade may mean more traffic-to Saxon pool/South Biggleswade. Green SpacesMillbridge Brook park a real improvement in the village- a lack of footpaths- encourage more
outdoor activity. Wildlife- partnership with the Wildlife Trust is essential in the areas of
woodland and farming- biodiversity in protecting hedgerows. Need to think about energyresilience of solar panels and using less energy. SCDC Strategic Energy Partnership – PC a
partner – further enhancements can be developed within the Neighbourhood Plan.
Health/Education- Charlotte Sale advised that their group had concerns about the Doctors
surgery unable to cope with the demand- currently there is a 4 week wait for an
appointment. Roads and paths are in a poor condition. Further Education- access nonexistent- sent to schools elsewhere in other counties for senior schooling. Apprenticeships,
cycle ways were also mentioned in discussions. On street parking and traffic congestion is
also an issue. Lorry movements along Church St-accidents have been occurring. Also
concern expressed about notification of development – how to find out what is being
proposed? Some get letters, some don’t.
Summary- most groups have similar list of concerns /issues on what the main areas of
concern are for the village. There is overlap between all these groups- need to work closely
together to form strategy. RL suggested identifying issues which cause frustration and
identify whether planning policies can help improve services and facilities for the village
going forward.
Suggest potential work streams to discuss at next meeting. Possibly sites ring fenced for
employment?
5) Purpose and Structure of the New NP Steering Group- terms of reference, form sub
groups-K Rayner- KR advised that a draft terms of reference for the group had been
prepared and agreed at Parish Council – these were circulated to all at the meeting. Next
step is the forming of the sub group/s and steering group- to be discussed at next meeting.
6) Where to now? SG thanked all for their attendance and input into the meeting and thanks
to the South Cambridgeshire Officers and members who attended to advise us .
Further meetings, training sessions to be identified, sub group leads/reporting
structure
Steering Group next meeting Monday 15th June 2015 7.30pm at Eco Hub- all welcome
7) Any questions?
No further questions- meeting closed at 9.05pm
KR
Amendments-AT presentation included 08-05-15
27-04-15
Summaries from contributors are as attached in Appendix1 & 2
Appendix 1- Environment-B Carey
Gamlingay Parish Neighbourhood Plan
Notes from Brainstorming Session, 20 April 2015 - Environment
1. Housing and Development
The overall view was that the supply of housing, notably from Station Road and
Green End, was more than sufficient for the coming years, and that the focus should
be on improving facilities and services for current residents (and those moving into
the village as a result of these agreed developments). Specific points made included:

Maintaining the village as a village, and not letting it become a town.

Set high standards for energy efficiency, quality, sustainability, and local
character for new houses and developments.

Conserve the historic character and appearance of the village and preserve
archaeological sites.

Avoid infilling between the village and outlying settlements.
2. Facilities, Services, and Business
There was a strong feeling that village services had not kept pace with population
growth (notably evidenced by the difficulty obtaining a GP appointment). However,
new services and facilities needed to be sustainable, energy efficient, and promote
both low-carbon living and a stronger community. In particular:

The timely availability of GP appointments is vital to the well-being of villagers.

Development needs to include or have reference to local job opportunities to
minimise travel and build community cohesion.

Schools and nurseries should be supported to minimise travel and build
community identity.

Any new local shops should preferably be local and independent. The
village’s pubs and restaurants should be supported as far as possible.

High-speed broadband is essential to allow home and flexible working, and to
support local businesses.

Agriculture is a key local business and employer. The village should support
their important role providing the nation’s food, while encouraging wildlifefriendly farming where possible.
3. Roads and Transport
The sense was that local roads are in poor condition, unsafe for pedestrians,
cyclists, and horse riders, and overused by rat-running traffic. The village is poorly
served by buses. Specific suggestions for improvement include:
Work with Sustrans to complete the Gamlingay-Potton cycle path.

Either as part of the above, or as a standalone project, create an off-road
footway and cycle path to the Woodview Farm Shop.

Conduct a review of all the village’s roads and junctions to improve safety for
vulnerable road users, including safety on main routes towards Potton and
Everton. This may include a range of traffic-calming and cycle-friendly
measures.

Repair and maintain damaged and potholed roads and pavements.

Restore bus links to Cambridge. Improve frequency and reliability of bus links
to Sandy Station. Ensure bus stops are clearly marked and timetables are on
view.

Introduce measures to decrease the amount of rat-running HGVs, either by
traffic calming or by pressing for an ‘access only’ rule for vehicles over 7.5
tonnes.
4. Wildlife and Green Spaces
Gamlingay is a rural community surrounded by both agricultural land and nature
reserves. We should celebrate and protect the rural character of our village and work
with local landowners and stakeholders to increase biodiversity and access to the
countryside. In particular:

Continue to improve and where possible extend public green spaces in the
village.

Further encourage community participation in the management of green
spaces and local wildlife.

Identify opportunities to extend local footpaths and bridleways.

Work with local farmers to increase biodiversity and to raise awareness of
agricultural issues, while supporting their businesses.

Work more closely with the Wildlife Trust to support their work in Gamlingay
Wood and to promote it as a valuable community resource as well as an
important wildlife reserve.

Manage hedgerows and verges for wildlife.
5. Energy, Carbon, and Climate Change
The need to prevent climate change, and the reality that we need to mitigate its
effects, should guide the neighbourhood plan. Specific measures include:

Aim for all community buildings to be carbon neutral through insulation and
renewable energy generation

Work with stakeholders, including the Sustainable Parishes Energy
Partnership (SPEP), GEAG, and schools, to increase local understanding of
climate change and energy saving.

Require new developments to meet minimum standards for renewable
generation, insulation, and climate resilience.
Appendix 2- Economic Development- B Smith
Summary of Meeting of Gamlingay Neighbourhood Plan:
Economic Development Strand
Priorities:

to retain existing businesses in the village and ensure that they can grow if
they need to.

to attract new business into the village by providing a variety of fit for purpose
units in suitable locations.

to encourage new start up business through affordable premises, hot desking
(?in Eco Hub), LA support, other financial incentives.

To encourage a wide variety of business in the village to include
manufacturing, retail, service industry, high tech, education, social care etc.
located in the most suitable places e.g. retail in Church St, noisy on perimeter
of village etc.

To protect existing employment sites from redevelopment for housing.

To identify new employment sites and to protect them for employment use.

To sustain a wide variety of employment options in the village e.g.
apprenticeships, flexible working for parents, all levels of skill etc.

Consider employment before housing i.e. housing designed to meet
employment need.

Ensure sustainable travel to work schemes – cycle ways, footpaths, car
share.

Prioritise low cost housing to encourage people to live and work in Gamlingay

Support affordable build options for local people e.g. self-build, part build.

Promote environmentally sustainable businesses and businesses supporting
the green agenda.

Promote business that is ‘useful’ to residents e.g. retail, education, social
care, garages etc.

Superfast Broadband before anything else.