by Stephen PlattThis evaluation provides a unique insight into the development of Cambourne. The study combined a comprehensive literature review with interviews with over 50 stakeholders. The result is a series of practical lessons that can be applied in the planning and development of other new settlements across the region.
Two questions underpin this study of Camboune, a new settlement of 4200 homes due west of Cambridge. Firstly, does Cambourne meet the objectives of the original Master Plan? And secondly, can we learn lessons that can guide future large scale development?
The evaluation provides a unique insight into the development of Cambourne. The study combined a comprehensive literature review with interviews with over 50 stakeholders. The result is a series of practical lessons that can be applied in the planning and development of other new settlements across the region.
These lessons have particular relevance for proposed eco towns and ideas about carbon neutral settlements.
The master planners imagined that the traditional character of an English village would give the settlement its image and identity and sustainability was the big idea that would provide a sense of purpose.
However, neither in terms of size nor character, is Cambourne a village as was originally conceived. Nor is it a small town. It is in fact a new hybrid – an ‘exurb’. Nor have the key objectives of self-sufficiency, high performance environmental design and the use of renewables been met. Cambourne is not self-contained in terms of jobs, secondary schools or services.
Nevertheless, Cambourne is successful and popular. The landscaping is sensitive and imaginative and the houses are, in the main, well built and pleasing. The level of amenities and services is much greater than in surrounding villages and transport access is good. But more needs to be done in terms of local employment.
All this makes Cambourne an attractive and popular place to live. But it is not a sustainable settlement and this analysis casts serious doubt on plans to create carbon neutral eco-towns.
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→New settlements and sustainability - Lesson from Cambourne
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